UPSC Prelims 2002 Q71: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
In terms of value,
which one of the following commodities accounted for the largest agricultural exports by India
during the three - year period from 1997 - 1998 to 1999 - 2000?
- (a) Cereals
- (b) Marine products
- (c) Spices
- (d) Tea
Answer: (b) Marine products
Explanation
Largest agricultural export by value, 1997-98 to 1999-2000
| Commodity | Position in agricultural exports |
|---|---|
| Marine products | Largest of the options in value over the three years |
| Cereals | Large (mainly rice) but below marine products over this period |
| Tea | Smaller in value |
| Spices | Smaller in value |
Among the four commodities listed, marine products earned the most in the period 1997-98 to 1999-2000, ahead of cereals, tea and spices. The result is time-specific: cereals overtook marine products in some later years.
Answer: (b) Marine products.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cereals ranked below marine products in this period.
- (b) CORRECT. Marine products led by value.
- (c) Incorrect. Spices earned less in value.
- (d) Incorrect. Tea earned less in value.
Key point
India's top agricultural exports changed by decade: marine products and rice in the 1990s; rice, spices, sugar later.
Remember
1997-2000: marine products led agricultural exports.
Common mistakes
- Choosing tea because of its historic prominence.
- Using present-day rankings for a 1997-2000 question.
- Forgetting that marine products count as agricultural exports.
Exam tip
Read the period carefully; export ranks shift over time.
Sources
- Economic Survey 2001-02 — principal exports
- RBI — Exports of principal commodities