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UPSC Prelims 2025 · Agriculture · Crops and Where They Grow
Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
- (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
- (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
- (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
The USA produces about 55% of world ethanol (from maize) and Brazil about 25–30% (from sugarcane) — so I is wrong, II is right.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Accepts Brazil as No. 1 — the USA makes more ethanol.
(b) Accepts Brazil as No. 1.
(c) Rejects the feedstock contrast, which is true.
The trap
Brazil is famous for flex-fuel cars and cane ethanol, so it “feels” like No. 1.
🔒 Ethanol: USA (corn) > Brazil (cane) > EU > India (E20 target 2025, cane + maize + grain).
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