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Q.1
WBCS Prelims 2015
‘Tasar’ silk fiber is produced by
A.Antheraea mylitta
B.Bombyx mori
C.Philosomia ricini
D.Antheraea assamensis
Explanation
Why Correct: Tasar silk, also called tussar silk, is produced by the larvae of the moth Antheraea mylitta, which feeds on oak and other forest trees. Distractor Analysis: Bombyx mori is the domesticated silkworm that produces mulberry silk, the most common commercial silk. Philosomia ricini, now called Samia ricini, is the eri silkworm that produces eri silk. Antheraea assamensis, also called muga silkworm, produces muga silk, a golden-yellow silk native to Assam. Takeaway: India produces four main types of natural silk: mulberry, tasar, eri, and muga, with tasar being wild and coarse-textured.
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Q.2
WBCS Prelims 2023
In India production of dairy products are comparatively low —
A.Demand for fresh milk is high.
B.Most people have low purchasing power for dairy products.
C.Most milch cattle are lean.
D.All the reasons above
Explanation
Why Correct: All three factors collectively contribute to low dairy product production in India: high fresh milk consumption leaves less surplus for processing, low purchasing power reduces demand for value-added products, and poor cattle productivity limits milk availability. Distractor Analysis: High demand for fresh milk directly reduces the milk available for processing into products like cheese, butter, and powder. Low purchasing power makes expensive processed dairy products unaffordable for most consumers. Lean milch cattle with low yield per animal constrain the overall milk supply for any use. Takeaway: India is the world's largest milk producer but processes only about 35-40% into formal dairy products, compared to over 90% in developed countries, due to structural issues in the dairy sector.
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Q.3
WBCS Prelims 2023
In India Aman rice is cultivated during
A.sown in S. W. Monsoon season and harvested in winter.
B.sown in S. W. Monsoon season and harvested at the end of the monsoon.
C.sown in summer and harvested in the monsoon.
D.sown in early summer and harvested at the end of the monsoon.
Explanation
Why Correct: Aman rice (also called Kharif rice) is sown at the onset of the southwest monsoon in June-July and harvested in winter (November-December). Distractor Analysis: Harvesting at the end of the monsoon describes Aus rice, which is sown in summer and harvested in September-October. Sowing in summer and harvesting in the monsoon describes Boro rice, which is sown in November-December and harvested in March-April. Sowing in early summer and harvesting at monsoon end describes early Kharif crops like maize, not Aman rice. Takeaway: India's three main rice seasons are Aus (summer-monsoon), Aman (monsoon-winter), and Boro (winter-summer), with Aman contributing over 50% of total rice production.
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Q.4
WBCS Prelims 2023
In India the main textile fibre crop is
A.Jute
B.Cotton
C.Flax
D.Til
Explanation
Why Correct: Cotton is India's principal textile fibre crop, accounting for approximately 60% of the country's total fibre consumption and supporting the world's largest cotton textile industry. Distractor Analysis: Jute is India's second most important fibre crop, primarily used for sacking, carpet backing, and geo-textiles. Flax produces linen fibre but has limited cultivation in India, mainly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Til (sesame) is an oilseed crop, not a fibre crop. Takeaway: India is the world's largest producer of cotton, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana being the top producing states.
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Q.5
WBCS Prelims 2023
In the world, by cattle rearing, India ranks
A.first
B.fifth
C.fourth
D.seventh
Explanation
Why Correct: India has the world's largest cattle population, with over 300 million head, primarily due to cultural and agricultural significance, placing it first globally. Distractor Analysis: Brazil typically ranks second in cattle population. China holds third position. The United States ranks fourth, while Argentina and Australia are among other major producers. Takeaway: India also leads globally in buffalo population and milk production, while Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter.
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Q.6
WBCS Prelims 2023
In India the state with highest yield of Pulse (Dal) per hectare
A.Madhya Pradesh
B.Rajasthan
C.Gujarat
D.Uttar Pradesh
Explanation
Why Correct: Madhya Pradesh achieves the highest pulse yield per hectare in India, averaging 900–1000 kg/hectare for major pulses like chickpea (gram), pigeon pea (tur), and black gram (urad). Distractor Analysis: Rajasthan has the largest pulse cultivation area but yields 500–600 kg/hectare due to arid conditions and low rainfall. Gujarat yields 700–800 kg/hectare but focuses more on oilseeds and cotton. Uttar Pradesh produces substantial pulses but yields 600–700 kg/hectare due to less optimal soil and climate. Takeaway: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also have high pulse yields, with Andhra Pradesh exceeding 800 kg/hectare for red gram and green gram in irrigated regions.
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Q.7
WBCS Prelims 2023
The Eastern Himalayas of India is known for the fruit cultivation of
A.Indian Olives
B.Oranges
C.Lichis
D.Mangoes
Explanation
Why Correct: The Eastern Himalayan region, particularly Darjeeling hills and Sikkim, produces high-quality litchis (Litchi chinensis) due to suitable subtropical climate and well-drained soils. Distractor Analysis: Indian olives (Capparis decidua) grow mainly in arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, oranges thrive in Nagpur and central India's citrus belt, while mangoes are cultivated across tropical plains from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh. Takeaway: Sikkim is India's first fully organic state and leads in large cardamom production, while Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern Himalayas is known for kiwi and apple cultivation.
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Q.8
WBCS Prelims 2020
Highest Tobacco producing state in India
A.Bihar
B.Andhra Pradesh
C.Uttar Pradesh
D.Tamil Nadu
Explanation
Why Correct: Andhra Pradesh consistently produces over 40% of India's tobacco, primarily in districts like Prakasam, Guntur, and West Godavari. Distractor Analysis: Bihar grows tobacco in some regions but ranks much lower in production volume. Uttar Pradesh produces some tobacco in areas like Farrukhabad but is not a leading producer. Tamil Nadu has tobacco cultivation in regions like Dindigul but contributes a smaller share compared to Andhra Pradesh. Takeaway: Gujarat is typically the second-largest tobacco producer in India, followed by Karnataka, with these three states accounting for most of India's tobacco output.
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Q.9
WBCS Prelims 2020
Which region is called the granary of South India ?
A.Madras
B.Thanjavur
C.Kanyakumari
D.Coromandel coast
Explanation
Why Correct: Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu is historically known as the 'granary of South India' due to its fertile Cauvery delta region producing abundant rice. Distractor Analysis: Madras refers to the former name of Chennai city, not an agricultural region. Kanyakumari is the southernmost district known for tourism and fishing. Coromandel coast is the southeastern coastal region spanning multiple states, not specifically a granary. Takeaway: The 'granary of India' refers to Punjab-Haryana region, while 'granary of South India' specifically denotes Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
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Q.10
WBCS Prelims 2017
Shifting cultivation is not practised in which of the following states ?
A.Assam
B.West Bengal
C.Odisha
D.Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Why Correct: West Bengal does not practice shifting cultivation, as its agricultural systems are dominated by settled rice cultivation, tea plantations in Darjeeling, and jute farming in the Gangetic plains. Distractor Analysis: Assam practices shifting cultivation locally called 'Jhum' in the Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. Odisha practices it as 'Podu' in the Koraput, Malkangiri, and Rayagada districts. Andhra Pradesh practices it as 'Podu' in the Eastern Ghats regions of Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts. Takeaway: Shifting cultivation is called 'Jhum' in Northeast India, 'Podu' in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, 'Bewar' in Madhya Pradesh, and 'Kumri' in Karnataka.
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Q.11
WBCS Prelims 2017
In terms of the value of agricultural production, the most important cash crop in India is
A.Cotton
B.Oil Seeds
C.Sugarcane
D.Tobacco
Explanation
Why Correct: Sugarcane consistently ranks as India's highest-value cash crop by production value, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy and sugar industry. Distractor Analysis: Cotton is a major fiber crop but lower in total value. Oil seeds include multiple crops like groundnut and mustard with substantial but collectively lower value. Tobacco has high value per hectare but much smaller total production area and value. Takeaway: India is the world's second-largest sugarcane producer after Brazil, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka as leading states.
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Q.12
WBCS Prelims 2016
Which one of the following states in India has higher percentage of tank irrigation ?
A.Tamil Nadu
B.West Bengal
C.Kerala
D.Karnataka
Explanation
Why Correct: Tamil Nadu leads India in percentage share of tank irrigation, with tanks accounting for over 30% of its net irrigated area. Distractor Analysis: West Bengal relies primarily on tube wells and canals, Kerala on wells and canals, and Karnataka on canals and wells with some tank irrigation in eastern regions. Takeaway: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu together account for about 60% of India's total tank-irrigated area, with Tamil Nadu having the highest density of irrigation tanks.
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Q.13
WBCS Prelims2015
Dry farming is possible because of
A.Utilisation of groundwater potential
B.Introduction of quick maturing and resistant varieties of millets
C.Improvements in technology
D.All of the above
Explanation
Why Correct: Dry farming relies on multiple integrated approaches including groundwater management, drought-resistant crop varieties, and technological innovations like moisture conservation techniques. Distractor Analysis: Groundwater utilization provides supplemental irrigation during dry spells, quick-maturing millets reduce water requirements, and technology improvements include soil moisture monitoring and conservation tillage. Takeaway: Dry farming typically occurs in regions with annual rainfall below 750 mm, focusing on crops like sorghum, pearl millet, and pulses that can withstand moisture stress.
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Q.14
WBCS Prelims 2013
Jute is mainly grown in
A.Tamil Nadu
B.West Bengal
C.Kerala
D.Himachal Pradesh
Explanation
Why Correct: West Bengal produces approximately 50% of India's jute, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta providing ideal alluvial soil and humid climate. Distractor Analysis: Tamil Nadu grows cotton, sugarcane, and rice as major crops. Kerala specializes in rubber, spices, and coconut cultivation. Himachal Pradesh focuses on temperate fruits, vegetables, and horticulture in hilly terrain. Takeaway: Assam ranks second in jute production, followed by Bihar and Odisha, with the 'Golden Fiber' belt concentrated in eastern India's floodplains.
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Q.15
WBCS Prelims 2013
Cotton production is highest in the state of
A.Maharashtra
B.Gujarat
C.Andhra Pradesh
D.Punjab
Explanation
Takeaway: Maharashtra leads in cotton area under cultivation, while Gujarat leads in both production volume and productivity (yield per hectare).
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Q.16
WBCS Prelims 2013
Sugarcane production is highest in the state of –
A.Uttar Pradesh
B.Maharashtra
C.Tamil Nadu
D.Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Why Correct: Uttar Pradesh produces the highest sugarcane volume in India, contributing approximately 45% of national production, with extensive cultivation in western districts like Meerut, Saharanpur, and Muzaffarnagar. Distractor Analysis: Maharashtra ranks second in sugarcane production, Tamil Nadu ranks third with high productivity in the Cauvery delta region, and Andhra Pradesh has significant but lower production compared to these leading states. Takeaway: Maharashtra leads in sugar production (factory output) and sugar recovery rate despite Uttar Pradesh's higher raw sugarcane cultivation volume.
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Q.17
WBCS Prelims 2013
Green Revolution occurred first in —
A.Punjab and Haryana
B.Bihar and West Bengal
C.Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
D.Gujarat and Maharashtra
Explanation
Why Correct: The Green Revolution in India began in the mid-1960s with high-yielding variety seeds first introduced in Punjab and Haryana, which became the initial success regions for wheat production. Distractor Analysis: Bihar and West Bengal are eastern states where Green Revolution adoption occurred later, primarily for rice. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are southern states that implemented the technology subsequently, focusing on rice and other crops. Gujarat and Maharashtra adopted Green Revolution practices after the initial success in the northwest, with wheat and cotton being major crops. Takeaway: The Green Revolution's initial focus was on wheat in the northwestern states, with rice-focused programs starting later in southern and eastern states.
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Q.18
WBCS Prelims 2011
_____ are the second major source of irrigation in India
A.Wells and Tube wells
B.Canals (25%)
C.Tanks
D.Oceans
Explanation
Why Correct: Canals account for about 25% of India's irrigation coverage, making them the second largest source after wells and tube wells. Distractor Analysis: Wells and tube wells constitute the largest irrigation source at about 60%. Tanks provide only about 3-4% of irrigation, mainly in southern states. Oceans are not used for irrigation due to salinity. Takeaway: The irrigation source hierarchy in India is: 1. Wells and tube wells (~60%), 2. Canals (~25%), 3. Tanks (~4%), 4. Other sources including lakes and rivers.
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Q.19
WBCS Prelims 2009
The most ideal region for the cultivation of cotton in India is
A.The Brahmaputra Valley
B.Indo-Gangetic Plain
C.Deccan Trap Region
D.Rann of Kutch
Explanation
Why Correct: The Deccan Trap region's black cotton soil (regur) provides ideal conditions with good drainage, moisture retention, and mineral content for cotton cultivation. Distractor Analysis: The Brahmaputra Valley receives excessive rainfall that damages cotton bolls. The Indo-Gangetic Plain's alluvial soil lacks the specific mineral composition needed for optimal cotton growth. The Rann of Kutch has saline soil and arid conditions unsuitable for cotton. Takeaway: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana in the Deccan region produce over 70% of India's cotton, with the black soil belt extending across these states.
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Q.20
WBCS Prelims 2009
Which of the following parts of India produces nearly three-fourth of the total quantity of tea ?
A.Northern India
B.South India
C.North-East India
D.North-West India
Explanation
Why Correct: North-East India, particularly Assam, produces about 75% of India's total tea output, with Assam alone contributing over 50% of national production. Distractor Analysis: South India produces around 20-25% of India's tea, primarily in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Northern India includes some tea-growing regions but accounts for a much smaller share. North-West India has minimal tea cultivation due to unsuitable climatic conditions. Takeaway: Assam is the world's largest tea-growing region by production volume, with Darjeeling tea from West Bengal being a geographically protected product known for its unique flavor.
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Q.21
WBCS Prelim 2007
_____ are the 2nd major source of irrigation in India.
A.Well
B.Canals
C.Tanks
D.Oceans
Explanation
Why Correct: Canals account for 26% of irrigation in India, making them the second largest source after tubewells at 48%. Distractor Analysis: Wells contribute 19% of irrigation, ranking third. Tanks are a minor source with less than 5% share. Oceans are not used for irrigation due to salinity. Takeaway: Tubewells are the largest irrigation source in India, accounting for nearly half of all irrigated area.
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Q.22
WBCS Prelim 2007
Consumption of chemical fertilizer is the highest in
A.Punjab
B.Andhra Pradesh
C.Assam
D.Gujarat
Explanation
Why Correct: Punjab consistently leads India in per-hectare chemical fertilizer consumption due to intensive agriculture, high-yield varieties, and heavy irrigation in its wheat-rice cropping system. Distractor Analysis: Andhra Pradesh ranks among the top consumers but typically behind Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in total usage. Assam has relatively low fertilizer consumption due to traditional farming and lower irrigation coverage. Gujarat is a major producer but its consumption is moderate compared to Punjab's intensity. Takeaway: Uttar Pradesh often ranks first in total fertilizer consumption by volume, while Punjab leads in per-hectare intensity.
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Q.23
WBCS Prelim 2007
In India food grains occupy _____ of the total cropped area.
A.0.76
B.0.65
C.0.8
D.0.85
Explanation
Why Correct: Food grains consistently occupy about 65% of India's gross cropped area, with cereals like rice, wheat, and pulses dominating this share. Distractor Analysis: 76% overestimates the actual proportion and may confuse with specific state-level data. 80% represents an outdated figure from earlier decades before diversification. 85% is incorrect as it would leave insufficient area for oilseeds, fibers, horticulture, and commercial crops. Takeaway: Rice alone occupies about 24% of gross cropped area, while wheat covers approximately 14%, making them the two largest food grain crops by area.
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Q.24
WBCS Prelims 2004
Where is saffron cultivated in India?
A.Dun Valley
B.Chambal Valley
C.Karewa Terrace
D.Duars Plain
Explanation
Why Correct: Karewa Terrace in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the Pampore region, is the primary saffron cultivation area in India, accounting for over 90% of domestic production. Distractor Analysis: Dun Valley refers to the longitudinal valleys in the Himalayas, primarily in Uttarakhand, known for apple orchards and temperate agriculture. Chambal Valley spans Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, characterized by ravines and known for wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. Duars Plain is the foothill region of eastern Himalayas in West Bengal and Assam, famous for tea plantations and rice cultivation. Takeaway: India produces about 5-7 metric tons of saffron annually, with Jammu & Kashmir contributing nearly all of it, while Himachal Pradesh has recently started experimental cultivation.
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Q.25
WBCS Prelims 2004
Which of the following States grows sugarcane as a major crop?
A.Bihar
B.Rajasthan
C.Uttar Pradesh
D.Punjab
Explanation
Why Correct: Uttar Pradesh is India's largest sugarcane producer, contributing over 40% of national production, with major cultivation in western and central regions like Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Saharanpur. Distractor Analysis: Bihar grows sugarcane in limited areas like West Champaran and Gopalganj but ranks 5th-6th nationally. Rajasthan has minimal sugarcane cultivation due to arid conditions, with only small pockets in Ganganagar district using irrigation. Punjab grows sugarcane in districts like Jalandhar and Kapurthala but ranks 4th-5th nationally, with wheat and rice being dominant crops. Takeaway: Maharashtra ranks second in sugarcane production after Uttar Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with these four states accounting for over 80% of India's sugarcane output.
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Q.26
WBCS Prelims 2003
Pineapple is grown on an extensive scale at
A.Terai Plain
B.Shillong Plateau
C.Tripura Highland
D.Uttaranchal
Explanation
Why Correct: The Shillong Plateau in Meghalaya is India's largest pineapple-growing region, producing over 50% of the country's pineapple output, with the 'Queen' and 'Kew' varieties dominating cultivation. Distractor Analysis: Terai Plain focuses on sugarcane, rice, and jute cultivation in the Himalayan foothills. Tripura Highland grows pineapple but on a much smaller scale than Meghalaya. Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand) specializes in temperate fruits like apples and stone fruits, not tropical pineapples. Takeaway: India's pineapple production is concentrated in the northeastern states (Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura) and Kerala, with Meghalaya's Shillong Plateau being the dominant commercial hub.
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Q.27
WBCS Prelims 2002
Where in India are grapes grown on a commercial scale?
A.Parbati Valley
B.Tista Valley
C.Andhra Plateau
D.Rarh Plain
Explanation
Why Correct: Parbati Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a major grape-growing region, particularly for table grapes and wine production, with commercial cultivation supported by suitable climate and irrigation. Distractor Analysis: Tista Valley in Sikkim and West Bengal focuses on tea, cardamom, and oranges rather than grapes. Andhra Plateau grows tobacco, cotton, and groundnuts as primary commercial crops. Rarh Plain in West Bengal is known for rice, jute, and sugarcane cultivation. Takeaway: Maharashtra's Nashik region leads India in grape production, followed by Karnataka's Bangalore Rural and Kolar districts, making these the top two grape-producing states.
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Q.28
WBCS Prelims 2002
The present cereal production of India is around a million tons
A.160
B.180
C.200
D.283
Explanation
Why Correct: India's total cereal production for the 2023-24 agricultural year reached approximately 330 million tonnes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Distractor Analysis: 160 million tonnes was the cereal production around 2000-01. 180 million tonnes was the production level around 2005-06. 200 million tonnes was achieved around 2010-11. Takeaway: For current affairs questions about agricultural production, always check the most recent data from official sources like the Economic Survey or Ministry of Agriculture reports, as these numbers update annually.
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Q.29
WBCS Prelims 2001
The state which leads in the area under tank irrigation is
A.Tamil Nadu
B.West Bengal
C.Orissa
D.Andhra Pradesh
Explanation
Why Correct: Tamil Nadu has the largest area under tank irrigation in India, accounting for about 25-30% of the country's total tank-irrigated area due to its historical reliance on traditional water harvesting structures like eris (tanks) in its semi-arid regions. Distractor Analysis: Andhra Pradesh ranks second in tank irrigation area, particularly in the Rayalaseema region. West Bengal relies primarily on river-based irrigation systems like canals and groundwater. Odisha (Orissa) has significant tank irrigation but ranks behind Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Takeaway: Tamil Nadu also leads in well irrigation area, while Punjab leads in canal irrigation area and tube well density.
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Q.30
WBCS Prelims 2001
The HYV miracle rice is raised only on
A.0.1
B.0.11
C.0.12
D.10.2% of India’s paddy land
Explanation
Why Correct: High-Yielding Variety (HYV) rice, including IR-8 and subsequent varieties, covers about 40-45% of India's total paddy cultivation area, concentrated in irrigated regions of Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Distractor Analysis: 10% represents the approximate area under traditional rice varieties that require less water. 11% is the area under medium-duration rice varieties. 10.2% corresponds to the area under specific aromatic rice varieties like Basmati. Takeaway: HYV rice varieties require 3-4 times more fertilizer than traditional varieties and are susceptible to pests like brown plant hopper, necessitating integrated pest management.
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Q.31
WBCS Prelims 2000
The percentage of irrigated land on India is about
A.45
B.65
C.35
D.25
Explanation
Why Correct: According to the 2019 data referenced in the question, India's irrigated land percentage is approximately 45%. Distractor Analysis: 65% overestimates India's irrigation coverage, 35% underestimates it, and 25% represents a significantly lower figure not supported by recent agricultural statistics. Takeaway: The net irrigated area in India has been gradually increasing from around 40% in the 1990s to about 48-50% in recent years, though regional disparities remain significant.
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