Directions: The following items consist of two statements, one labelled as the. Assertion (A). and the other as. Reason (R). You are to examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below:
1. Assertion (A): The percentage of net sown area in the total area of Andhra Pradesh is less as compared to that of West Bengal.
2. Reason (R): The soil of most of Andhra Pradesh is laterite.
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
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Assertion (A) is true. The percentage of net sown area to the total area generally tends to be higher in states with extensive fertile plains like West Bengal compared to states with significant plateau or hilly regions like Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, the percentage is likely less in Andhra Pradesh compared to West Bengal.
2. Reason (R) is false. While parts of Andhra Pradesh do have laterite soil, it is not the predominant soil type across most of the state. Andhra Pradesh has a mix of red soils, black soils (regur), alluvial soils, and laterites. The reason for lower net sown area percentage is more related to topography (Eastern Ghats, plateau) and rainfall patterns than solely the prevalence of laterite soil.
3. Therefore, A is true but R is false.