RAS question
Which district leads in wheat production in Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (A) Sri Ganganagar.
Ganganagar leads Rajasthan in wheat production, helped by irrigation associated with the Indira Gandhi Canal, and is commonly described as the state's Granary or Food Bowl.
Explanation
Ganganagar is the leading wheat-producing district in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project report explains that wheat cultivation in the state was long limited by desert conditions, low rainfall and weak irrigation, but post-Independence irrigation projects, especially the Indira Gandhi Canal, improved the cropping pattern. In its district-wise wheat production section, the report lists the top five districts as Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Alwar, Baran and Bundi, and states that Ganganagar ranks first in the state. Sri Ganganagar's lead is tied to IGNP irrigation, and its wheat dominance explains why it is commonly described as Rajasthan's Granary or Food Bowl.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Alwar is an important wheat-producing district, but the Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project report places it third in the top-five list, not first.
- (C) Jaipur is named among Rajasthan's important wheat-producing districts, but Ganganagar heads the Rajasthan Agricultural Competitiveness Project report's top-five wheat-production ranking.
- (D) Bharatpur is listed as an important wheat-producing district and is better associated with mustard than with leading Rajasthan's wheat production.
Concept
District-wise crop production in Rajasthan depends strongly on irrigation and agricultural specialisation. In RAS preparation, crop geography connects physical geography, irrigation projects and regional crop dominance.