With reference to Indian agriculture, which one of the following statements is correct?
A
About 90 per cent of the area under pulses in India is rainfed.
B
The share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has double in the last two decades
C
India accounts for about 15 per cent of the total area under rice in the world
D
Rice occupies about 34 per cent of the gross cropped area of India
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Statement A is correct. Pulses in India are predominantly grown in rainfed conditions, often on marginal lands with limited irrigation facilities. Estimates suggest that around 90 per cent of the area under pulses is dependent on rainfall.
2. Statement B is incorrect. The share of pulses in the gross cropped area at the national level has generally fluctuated and, in many periods, declined or remained stagnant over the last two decades prior to 2002, rather than doubling.
3. Statement C is incorrect. India accounts for a much larger percentage (closer to 35-40%) of the total area under pulses in the world, not rice, and it's a leading producer and consumer of pulses.rice, India's share of the world area is significant but likely closer to 25-30%, not 15%.
4. Statement D is incorrect. While rice is a major crop, it occupies about 22-25% of the gross cropped area of India, not 34%.