UPSC Prelims 2019 Q37: Geography – Agriculture and Trade
- (a) China
- (b) India
- (c) Myanmar
- (d) Vietnam
Answer: (b) India
Explanation
World's Largest Rice Exporter (last five years - 2015-19)
| Country | Rice Export Rank (5-yr avg) | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| India | #1 | Largest exporter (Basmati + non-basmati); ~18-22 million tonnes per year in FY18-19 period. |
| Thailand | #2 | Historical #1, overtaken by India around 2012. |
| Vietnam | #3 | Major exporter; second-largest to India in some years. |
| Pakistan | #4 | Basmati exporter. |
| USA | #5 | High-quality long-grain rice. |
| China | Net importer | Largest producer but largest consumer too. |
| Myanmar | #6-7 | Growing exporter. |
India has been the world's largest rice exporter over the last several years. Answer: (b) India.
Answer: (b) India.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. China is the largest producer of rice but a net importer, not exporter.
- (b) CORRECT. India has been the world's largest rice exporter over the last five years (post-2012), overtaking Thailand.
- (c) Incorrect. Myanmar is a growing exporter but far behind India, Thailand, Vietnam.
- (d) Incorrect. Vietnam is a top-three exporter but not the largest.
Key point
Rice export rank (recent): India > Thailand > Vietnam > Pakistan > USA > Myanmar. India = #1 exporter. China = largest producer/consumer, net importer.
Remember
India has been the world's largest exporter of rice over the last five years, exporting both basmati and non-basmati varieties. India overtook Thailand around 2012. China is the largest producer but a net importer, not an exporter.
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'largest producer' (China) with 'largest exporter' (India).
- Assuming Thailand remains #1 - it was overtaken by India post-2012.
- Missing that India exports both basmati (premium) and non-basmati (bulk).
Exam tip
Rice production vs export: Top producers: China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam. Top exporters: India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan. Top importers: China, Philippines, Nigeria, EU, Saudi Arabia.
Sources
- USDA - Foreign Agricultural Service Rice Outlook
- APEDA - India's rice export statistics