RAS question
Which of the following minerals is Rajasthan the leading producer of in India?
Correct answer: (A) Gypsum.
Rajasthan is India's leading producer of gypsum, with the state accounting for over 80% of national production.
Explanation
Gypsum production in India is overwhelmingly concentrated in Rajasthan. Rajasthan's share is over 80% of national production, with Nagaur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Barmer as the major gypsum-bearing districts. Indian Bureau of Mines, Highlights of Mineral Production supports this dominance: in its review of 2012-13 mineral production, it records gypsum output at 3,538 thousand tonnes and says Rajasthan continued as the dominant state in gypsum production, with almost the entire output reported from Rajasthan in both 2012-13 and 2011-12. Among coal, bauxite, iron ore and gypsum, only gypsum has Rajasthan as India's leading producer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Coal is not led by Rajasthan; the leading coal-producing states are Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
- (C) Bauxite is not led by Rajasthan; Indian Bureau of Mines, Highlights of Mineral Production says Odisha had the largest share in bauxite production, and Odisha is the leader.
- (D) Iron ore is not led by Rajasthan; Indian Bureau of Mines, Highlights of Mineral Production places Odisha first and Chhattisgarh next, with Odisha and Chhattisgarh as the leading states.
Concept
Rajasthan geography covers mineral resources and state-wise production patterns. RAS repeatedly emphasizes Rajasthan's economy and physical geography because they are closely linked to distinctive non-metallic minerals such as gypsum.