Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: India is the largest producer of potato in the world.
Reason R: The states Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab account for majority of potato production in India.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Key Potato Production Facts:
- Global: China (1st) $>$ India (2nd).
- National (India): Uttar Pradesh (1st) $>$ West Bengal (2nd) $>$ Bihar (3rd).
- Most potatoes in India are harvested during the winter (rabi) season.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Analyzing global crop production statistics and domestic distribution patterns is important for understanding agricultural economics.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
Assertion A:
According to global production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- China is the largest producer of potatoes in the world.
- India is the second largest producer of potatoes globally.
Therefore, Assertion A is false.
Reason R:
Within India, potato is primarily grown as a winter (rabi) crop in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
- Uttar Pradesh is the leading potato-producing state, contributing around 30-35% of the national output.
- West Bengal is the second largest producer, contributing around 25-30%.
- Bihar, Gujarat, and Punjab are also major contributors.
Together, the Indo-Gangetic belt states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab, account for the vast majority of potato production in the country.
Thus, Reason R is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Assertion A is false, but Reason R is true.
This corresponds to Option (D).