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UPSC Prelims 2023 · Agriculture · Seeds, Water and Fertiliser
Consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct?
- India has more arable area than China.
- The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.
- The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Only two
More arable land and a higher irrigated share; lower productivity.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ CORRECT India has the larger arable area (~155 million ha vs ~120 million ha in China).
2. ✓ CORRECT By the measure UPSC used, India’s irrigated share of cropland was higher.
3. ✗ WRONG China’s yields per hectare are much higher (rice, wheat, maize).
Why the others are wrong
(a) Drops one of the two true statements.
(c) Accepts higher Indian productivity.
The trap
India’s large farm area makes “higher productivity” feel right. Area and yield are different things.
🔒 India: largest arable area in the world; yields far below China.
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