RAS question
Rajasthan produces approximately what percentage of India's total wool?
Correct answer: (C) 40%.
Rajasthan produces approximately 40% of India's total wool, with official data placing its share at 45.91% in 2021-22.
Explanation
Rajasthan is the clear leader in India's wool production, so the closest exam answer is 40%. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying statistics identify Rajasthan as the largest wool-producing state and give it 45.91% of national wool output in 2021-22. That fits the supplied 40-48% range and explains why an approximate MCQ uses 40% rather than a single-year exact figure. The share varies by year, with recent data around 47.5% in FY24. Rajasthan's wool base is linked with sheep breeds such as Marwari, Chokla, Magra and Jaisalmeri, and much of the state's wool is carpet-grade.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 10% is far below Rajasthan's official 45.91% share in 2021-22 and misses its position as India's largest wool producer.
- (B) 60% overstates Rajasthan's role; the official share is 45.91%, not close to three-fifths of India's wool.
- (D) 20% is too low because Rajasthan accounts for nearly half of national wool production.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's livestock economy, especially state-wise dominance in animal products. It recurs in RAS because wool, sheep breeds and desert-region pastoral production are standard Rajasthan geography themes.