UPSC Prelims 2002 Q29: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
With reference to Indian agriculture,
which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) About 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed.
- (b) The share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has double in the last two decades
- (c) India accounts for about 15 per cent of the total area under rice in the world
- (d) Rice occupies about 34 per cent of the gross cropped area of India
Answer: (a) About 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed.
Explanation
Indian agriculture: pulses and rice statistics
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| About 90% of the area under pulses is rainfed | True — pulses are grown mostly on dry, rainfed land |
| Pulses' share of gross cropped area has doubled in two decades | False — it stayed near 12-13 per cent, with no doubling |
| India has about 15% of the world's rice area | False — India has about 25-28 per cent, the largest rice area in the world |
| Rice occupies about 34% of the gross cropped area | False — rice is about 23-24 per cent |
Only the statement on pulses is accurate: about 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed, which explains the yield variation from year to year.
Answer: (a) About 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Pulses are overwhelmingly a rainfed crop.
- (b) Incorrect. The share of pulses in the gross cropped area has not doubled.
- (c) Incorrect. India has a far larger share than 15 per cent of the world's rice area.
- (d) Incorrect. Rice is about a quarter of the gross cropped area, not 34 per cent.
Key point
Pulses: India is the largest producer and consumer; about 90% of area is rainfed, yields stagnate near 600-700 kg/ha.
Remember
About 90 per cent of pulses area is rainfed.
Common mistakes
- Believing the share of pulses doubled, when it has been stagnant.
- Understating India's share of the world rice area.
- Overstating the rice share of the gross cropped area.
Exam tip
Rainfed pulses is the safe, well-known fact; the other options carry exaggerated numbers.
Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture — Agricultural Statistics at a Glance
- Economic Survey 2001-02