Question

Three largest gram-producing states of India in 2021-22 were:
(A). Maharashtra
(B). Madhya Pradesh
(C). Rajasthan
(D). Gujarat

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Top gram states (2021-22): Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra—key pulse production hubs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Gram (chickpea) is a major pulse crop in India, and in the agricultural year 2021-22, the top three gram-producing states were:
- Madhya Pradesh (B): The largest producer, contributing significantly to India’s chickpea output due to favorable agro-climatic conditions and extensive cultivation.
- Rajasthan (C): A key producer, with large areas dedicated to gram cultivation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Maharashtra (A): Another major contributor, with significant gram production in regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Gujarat (D), while an important agricultural state, is not among the top three for gram production, as its output is lower compared to the others. Agricultural data from sources like the Ministry of Agriculture confirm Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra as the leading states, making option (1) correct.

Answer 2

Isolating the odd one out:
Among the four states listed, three, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, have historically dominated India's gram (chickpea) acreage and output, together accounting for the large majority of national production in 2021-22 according to agricultural production statistics. Gujarat, while a significant agricultural state overall, grows comparatively little gram relative to these three, its cropping pattern leans toward groundnut, cotton, and other cash crops rather than gram. Since Gujarat is the outlier not among the top three gram producers, any answer option must include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan while excluding Gujarat, which is exactly what is listed in option (1).