UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies
Question 64: Geography
Consider the following statements: I. Maharashtra has the highest acreage under jawar in India. II. Gujarat is the largest producer of groundnut in India. III. Rajasthan has the largest area of cultivable wastelands in India. IV. Andhra Pradesh has the highest per hectare yield of maize in India. Which of these statements are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Maharashtra has the largest area under jowar (sorghum) and Rajasthan the largest area of culturable wasteland, so I and III are correct. The key does not accept II (Gujarat as the largest groundnut producer) or IV (Andhra Pradesh with the highest maize yield per hectare). Option (c) is the only one that pairs I with III.
- I. Maharashtra has the largest area under jowar.
- II. The key does not accept Gujarat as the largest groundnut producer.
- III. Rajasthan has the largest area of culturable wasteland.
- IV. The key does not accept Andhra Pradesh as having the highest maize yield.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) I is correct, but IV is not accepted in the key.
- (b) III is correct, but II is not accepted in the key.
- (c) Right: I and III are correct.
- (d) Neither II nor IV is accepted in the key.
Worth knowing: Gujarat is usually India's largest groundnut producer and Andhra Pradesh has among the highest maize yields, so II and IV are arguable; (c) is chosen because it is the only option pairing I with III.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
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.