How did demand for commercial crops affect forests?

Correct answer: Forest land was changed into market based crop production

The direct answer is B: forest land was changed into land for market-based commercial crop production. Commercial crops are grown mainly for sale and profit rather than only for local food needs. When demand for cotton, indigo, tea, coffee, rubber or similar products increased, authorities and landowners often expanded plantations or cultivation areas. Forests could be cleared to create fields, plantations, roads and related facilities. Option A is wrong because commercial pressure did not mean that forests were always preserved for local use; local communities often lost access. Option B is correct because it describes the central land-use change: forest land was converted into cultivation or plantations producing crops for markets. Option C is wrong because commercial crops did not end the demand for timber; colonial industries and railways often continued to require large quantities of wood. Option D is wrong because forest dwellers did not automatically stop depending on forests; restrictions could make their dependence more difficult and create conflict. The exam cue is: commercial demand → expansion of cultivation or plantations → forest clearance.