UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 133: Geography

The approximate representation of land use classification in India is

aNet area sown 25%; forests 33%; other areas 42%

bNet area sown 58%; forests 17%; other areas 25%

cNet area sown 43%; forests 29%; other areas 28%

dNet area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Of India's reporting area, net area sown is about 46 to 47 per cent, forests about 23 per cent, and the rest (land not available for cultivation, fallows, pastures, barren land and so on) about 30 per cent. The option giving 47, 23 and 30 per cent is the closest. Remember: net sown area is under half of India's land, and forest is under a quarter.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) A net sown area of 25 per cent and 33 per cent forest are far from the facts.
(b) A net sown area of 58 per cent is too high and forest 17 per cent too low.
(c) A net sown area of 43 per cent and forest of 29 per cent do not match.
(d) Right: about 47 per cent sown, 23 per cent forest and 30 per cent other.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.