Which state in India has the maximum irrigated area?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
• Uttar Pradesh has the highest net irrigated area as well as the highest gross irrigated area in India.
• The state relies heavily on tubewells and canals for its irrigation needs.
• The fertile plains of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers contribute to the extensive network of irrigation.
• According to government data, UP accounts for the largest share of the country's total irrigated area, followed by Rajasthan and Punjab.
• The abundance of groundwater in the Indo-Gangetic plain makes tubewell irrigation highly prevalent in the state.
Information Booster:
• While UP has the largest area under irrigation, Punjab has the highest percentage of its cultivated land under irrigation (nearly 99%).
• Canal irrigation is most prominent in Northern India, whereas Tank irrigation is common in South India (Peninsular Plateau).
Additional Knowledge:
West Bengal (Option a):
Known for high rainfall, but primarily uses surface water and minor irrigation for rice cultivation.
Rajasthan (Option c):
Has a large irrigated area (especially via the Indira Gandhi Canal), but ranks behind Uttar Pradesh in total magnitude.
Punjab (Option d):
Highly efficient in irrigation, but its geographical size is much smaller than UP, resulting in a lower total area.