What does the term ‘Gross Cropped Area’ refer to in the context of Indian agriculture?

The correct option is The total area sown once as well as more than once in a particular year.

Explanation

Gross Cropped Area (GCA) is a key indicator of agricultural land utilization, representing the total area sown once and/or more than once in a particular year.

Detailed Analysis:

• The total area sown once as well as more than once in a particular year is Correct: Gross Cropped Area is the sum of the Net Sown Area and the area sown more than once. If a crop is sown on a piece of land twice in a year (e.g., during both Kharif and Rabi seasons), that area is counted twice in the GCA.
• The net sown area excluding fallow land is Incorrect: This refers to Net Sown Area (NSA). NSA represents the physical extent of land on which crops are sown and harvested. Even if crops are sown multiple times on the same land, it is counted only once in NSA.
• The total cultivable land available in a country is Incorrect: This refers to Total Cultivable Land, which is a broader category including Net Sown Area, Fallow Lands (current and other than current), and Culturable Waste Land.
• The area under permanent crops and pastures is Incorrect: This describes specific land use classifications such as "Land under Permanent Crops" or "Permanent Pastures and Grazing Lands," which are distinct categories in land use statistics.

Key Takeaway:

Gross Cropped Area reflects the intensity of agriculture. The relationship is defined as: GCA = Net Sown Area + Area Sown More Than Once. This figure is used to calculate Cropping Intensity (GCA/NSA × 100).