RAS question
Which Indian state is the largest producer of sugarcane?
Correct answer: (C) Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is India's largest producer of sugarcane.
Explanation
Uttar Pradesh is the right answer because the official Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2024 table for major sugarcane-producing states places it first in 2023-24 production. The Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2024 ranks Uttar Pradesh ahead of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in descending order of production share. Sugarcane is a tropical crop needing hot, humid conditions and about 75-100 cm of rainfall. The production ranking is decisive: Maharashtra and Karnataka are major producers, but the verified production table still puts Uttar Pradesh at the top.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Tamil Nadu ranks below Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka in the official major-state sugarcane production table, so it is not the largest producer.
- (B) Maharashtra is a major sugarcane producer, but its production share is lower than Uttar Pradesh's.
- (D) Karnataka is among the major producers, but its production is below Uttar Pradesh in the official ranking.
Concept
Indian agricultural geography includes the state-wise distribution of major commercial crops. RAS frequently links crop rankings with physical conditions and economy-focused themes in agriculture and agro-based industry.