Why is the relation between cash crops and export market important in understanding deforestation?

Correct answer: It shows that forest land was converted into farmland to grow cash crops for export

During the colonial period, forests were cleared on a large scale to expand cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, jute, sugarcane, tea and coffee for European markets. Therefore, demand from export markets for cash crops was an important cause of deforestation. Option B is incorrect because forests were not kept apart from cultivation; they were converted into agricultural land. Exam tip: When writing an economic cause of deforestation, mention the expansion of commercial agriculture for export.