Question

Which of the following states is the biggest producer of rice?
A.West Bengal
B.Punjab
C.Madhya Pradesh
D.Rajasthan

Answer 1

Hint: As of 2018, India is the second-largest producer of rice in the world after China and both these countries combined produce about 48% of the total rice in the world. Rice is one of the most important food crops in India because it is a staple part of the diet both in India and in Asia, at large. The varieties of rice grown in India include both white and brown rice. Southern and Eastern states and regions grow most of the rice in India because rice requires a hot tropical climate with heavy annual rainfall.

Complete answer: Option A: is correct. West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India and accounts for 14% of the rice produced in the country. The Ganga-Brahmaputra felt and the terai region in the state provide the most optimum conditions for the growth of rice.
Option B: is incorrect. Punjab is the third-largest producer of rice in India and contributes 10.5% of the total rice produced in the country. Although located at a higher latitude, the state has developed requisite conditions and effective irrigation facilities required for the growth of the crop.
Option C: is incorrect. Madhya Pradesh only contributes 3.4% to the total production of rice in India.
Option D: is incorrect. Rajasthan only contributes 0.4% to the total production of rice in India mainly because the hot and dry climate of the desert is not suitable for the growth of rice.

Therefore, The correct answer is Option A.

Note: Rice is sown in before monsoon and harvested during September and October which makes it a kharif crop. In states like West Bengal, Assam and Odisha, rice is also grown during the winter. India is also one of the biggest exporters of rice in the world including both basmati and non-basmati rice.