UPSC Prelims 2003 Q103: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
Assertion (A): The eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast.
Reason (R): The eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Explanation
Rice production on the east and west coasts
| Part | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. The eastern coast produces more rice than the western coast | True — wide deltas and larger paddy area |
| R. The eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast | False: the western coast receives more rainfall |
A is true and R is false: the east coast produces more rice because of broad deltas and irrigation, while the west coast gets heavier rain.
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. R is false, so it cannot explain A.
- (b) Incorrect. R is not a true statement.
- (c) CORRECT. A is true because of the deltaic plains, but R is false as the west coast has more rain.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true, as the east coast produces more rice.
Key point
Rice: deltas of Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi; west coast has 200-300 cm rain.
Remember
The west coast gets more rainfall than the east coast.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the east coast has more rain.
- Forgetting the role of deltas and irrigation.
- Mixing the Western Ghats' windward rain with rice area.
Exam tip
West coast: more rain; east coast: more rice area.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Geography — Land Resources and Agriculture
- Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India — Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2003 (rice: area and production by State)