UPSC Prelims 2008 Q26: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development

UPSC Prelims 2008, General Studies Paper I · Indian Economy

Which one amongst the following has the largest livestock population in the world?

Answer: (c) India

Explanation

Country with the world's largest livestock population

Among these major nations, one stands out for having the largest overall livestock population.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Brazil	Incorrect	Significant livestock, but not the largest overall
(b) China	Incorrect	Also significant, but not the largest overall
(c) India	Correct	India has the largest livestock population in the world, driven by its vast cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep populations
(d) USA	Incorrect	Significant, but not the largest overall

India's livestock facts:

Point	Detail
Global ranking	Largest livestock population in the world
Key categories	Cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep

Answer: (c) India.

(a) Incorrect. Brazil's livestock population, while large, is not the world's largest.
(b) Incorrect. China's is also not the world's largest.
(c) CORRECT. India has the world's largest livestock population.
(d) Incorrect. USA's livestock population is also not the world's largest.

India has the world's largest livestock population, driven by its vast cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep numbers.

India has the largest livestock population in the world.

Assuming a larger-economy country (China, USA) automatically has the largest livestock population.
Not knowing India's specific standing as the world's largest livestock-holding nation.
Confusing livestock population size with other agricultural production metrics.

India = world's largest livestock population, a frequently tested agriculture-geography fact.

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Government of India — 18th Livestock Census (2007)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — FAOSTAT: Live animals (stocks)