UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements: 1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia. 2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes. 3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Explanation

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is native to West Africa, not Southeast Asia, although Southeast Asia is now the main producing region. Palm oil is a raw material for cosmetics such as lipsticks and perfumes, and it can be used to produce biodiesel.

Topics: agriculture, oil crops, palm oil: origin and uses, plantation & commercial crops