UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 65
Consider the following statements :
- 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.
How many of the above statements are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A (Only one)
Explanation: India has a larger arable land area than China, but not a larger irrigated *proportion* or higher average agricultural yield per hectare in the comparison intended.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct/True - India has more land classified as arable than China in commonly cited FAO comparisons.
2. Incorrect/False - China has a larger share of its agricultural land irrigated in the comparison used.
3. Incorrect/False - Average crop yields/productivity per hectare in China generally exceed those in India.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Correct-exactly 1 of the 3 listed items satisfy the condition.
B. Incorrect-it counts 2, but only 1 qualify; item(s) 2, 3 do not.
C. Incorrect-it counts 3, but only 1 qualify; item(s) 2, 3 do not.
D. Incorrect-it counts 0, but items 1 qualify, giving 1.
Review note: Land categories, years and definitions affect comparisons; evaluate this as a 2023-era statistical claim rather than timeless fact.