UPSC Prelims 2010 Q133: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
The approximate representation of land - use classification in India is
- (a) Net area sown 25%; forests 33%; other areas 42%
- (b) Net area sown 58%; forests 17%; other areas 25%
- (c) Net area sown 43%; forests 29%; other areas 28%
- (d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%
Answer: (d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%
Explanation
India's approximate land-use classification
India's total land area is broadly divided into net sown area, forests, and other uses (fallow land, non-agricultural use, wastelands, etc.).
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Net sown 25%; forests 33%; other 42% | Incorrect | This understates net sown area and overstates forest cover relative to actual land-use data |
| (b) Net sown 58%; forests 17%; other 25% | Incorrect | This overstates net sown area significantly beyond the actual figure |
| (c) Net sown 43%; forests 29%; other 28% | Incorrect | This overstates forest cover relative to the recorded figure |
| (d) Net sown 47%; forests 23%; other 30% | Correct | This combination most closely matches India's approximate recorded land-use split: roughly 47% net sown, 23% recorded forest area, and 30% other uses |
India's land-use breakdown (approximate):
| Category | Share |
|---|---|
| Net sown area | ~47% |
| Recorded forest area | ~23% |
| Other uses (fallow, wasteland, non-agricultural, etc.) | ~30% |
Answer: (d) Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. This understates net sown area and overstates forest cover relative to the actual figures.
- (b) Incorrect. This overstates net sown area well beyond the actual recorded share.
- (c) Incorrect. This overstates forest cover beyond the recorded figure.
- (d) CORRECT. This combination most closely matches India's actual approximate land-use split.
Key point
India's approximate land-use classification: net area sown ~47%, recorded forest area ~23%, other areas (fallow, wasteland, non-agricultural use) ~30%.
Remember
India's land-use split (approximate): net sown area 47%, forests 23%, other areas 30%.
Common mistakes
- Overestimating India's recorded forest cover share, which is lower than popular perception suggests.
- Confusing net sown area with gross cropped area (which can exceed 100% due to multiple cropping).
- Not knowing the approximate 30% share occupied by 'other' land-use categories.
Exam tip
India's land use (approximate): ~47% net sown, ~23% forest, ~30% other uses. A specific, often-tested statistical breakdown.
Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India — Land Use Statistics at a Glance
- Forest Survey of India — India State of Forest Report 2009