Which crop is primarily used for its fibrous stalks, often utilized in the production of textiles and paper?

The correct answer is cotton, which is primarily grown for its fibrous bolls or stalks that contain the cotton fibers widely used in the textile industry. Cotton is especially valued for its softness, breathability, and versatility, making it an ideal material for clothing, bed linens, and various household textiles. Additionally, the fibers are used in the production of paper and other composite materials.

The other crops listed do not have the same fibrous characteristics that are utilized in textile production. Wheat is primarily a cereal grain, grown for its seeds which are milled into flour. Rice is another staple grain used mainly as a food source, providing carbohydrates rather than fibers. Sorghum, although it has various uses including grain production and animal feed, is not known for fibrous stalks aimed at textile or paper manufacturing as cotton is. This distinct difference in application and the composition of the plant materials clarifies why cotton is the correct answer in the context of the question.