Correct Option
Assertion (A) states that the eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast. This statement is true. The eastern coastal plains, encompassing states like West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, are major rice-producing regions. This is primarily due to the presence of extensive fertile alluvial plains and deltas formed by major rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. These areas benefit from well-developed irrigation systems, flat topography suitable for paddy cultivation, and favorable warm and humid climatic conditions. In contrast, the western coast is generally narrower, characterized by hilly terrain (Western Ghats), and has a greater focus on plantation crops rather than extensive rice farming.
Reason (R) states that the eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast. This statement is false. The western coast of India, particularly along the Western Ghats, receives substantially higher rainfall compared to the eastern coast. This is primarily due to the orographic effect, where the Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds, leading to heavy rainfall (often exceeding 200-300 cm annually in regions like Kerala and coastal Karnataka). The eastern coast, while receiving rainfall from both the southwest monsoon (moderate, typically 100-200 cm) and the northeast monsoon (especially in Tamil Nadu), does not receive more rainfall than the western coast on average.
Since Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false, option (C) is the correct answer.
Incorrect Options
- Option (A) is incorrect because Reason (R) is false.
- Option (B) is incorrect because Reason (R) is false.
- Option (D) is incorrect because Assertion (A) is true.