UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies

Question 58: Geography

The correct sequence in decreasing order of the four sugarcane producing States in India is

aMaharashtra, U.P., Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

bU.P., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh

cMaharashtra, U.P., Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

dU.P., Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

AnswerThe answer is (b).

In the late 1990s Uttar Pradesh was the largest sugarcane producer, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have higher yields per hectare than Uttar Pradesh, but UP's far larger area under cane keeps it first. The order is U.P., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Puts Maharashtra ahead of Uttar Pradesh, which is the wrong way round.
(b) Right: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
(c) Puts Maharashtra first and Andhra Pradesh ahead of Tamil Nadu, both wrong.
(d) Puts Andhra Pradesh ahead of Tamil Nadu, which is wrong for the period.

Worth knowing: The ranking is for the late 1990s; in recent years Karnataka ranks third among sugarcane producers, ahead of Tamil Nadu.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.