The correct answer is (c) Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh has the highest percentage of total cropped area under irrigation (2011), at 86.7%. This is followed by Punjab (86.2%), Haryana (85.1%), and Madhya Pradesh (84.4%).
The percentage of total cropped area under irrigation is a measure of the extent to which agriculture in a particular state is dependent on irrigation. A high percentage indicates that a large proportion of crops are grown using irrigation, while a low percentage indicates that crops are mostly grown using rain-fed agriculture.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high percentage of total cropped area under irrigation in Uttar Pradesh. One factor is the state’s climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This climate makes it difficult to grow crops without irrigation during the summer months.
Another factor is the state’s geography. Uttar Pradesh is located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which is a vast, flat plain that is well-suited for irrigation. The state also has a number of rivers, including the Ganges, Yamuna, and Chambal, which provide water for irrigation.
The high percentage of total cropped area under irrigation in Uttar Pradesh has a number of benefits. It allows farmers to grow crops throughout the year, even during the dry summer months. It also helps to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of crop failure due to drought.
However, there are also some challenges associated with the high percentage of total cropped area under irrigation in Uttar Pradesh. One challenge is that it can lead to waterlogging and salinization of the soil. Another challenge is that it can be expensive to maintain irrigation systems.
Overall, the high percentage of total cropped area under irrigation in Uttar Pradesh has both benefits and challenges. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits of irrigation before deciding whether or not to use it.