AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
(C) Irrigated agriculture
Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, as water resources are over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture and higher food-grain production.
Source: Water Scarcity and the Need for Water Conservation and Management, Chapter 3
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The textbook explicitly states: "Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water." This is a direct, factual line — quote it or closely paraphrase it. Domestic and industrial use are significant but secondary. Hydroelectric power generation uses water but is non-consumptive. Examiners expect option (C) with a one-line justification.