Which source registered the largest percentage decline in net area under…

Concept

Percentage change compares a change with the starting value: percentage change = ((new value − old value) ÷ old value) × 100.

A negative result represents a decline. Among declining categories, the largest percentage decline has the greatest absolute magnitude.

Application

1. Government canals: ((15,268 − 17,117) ÷ 17,117) × 100 = (−1,849 ÷ 17,117) × 100 ≈ −10.80%.

2. Private canals: ((207 − 211) ÷ 211) × 100 = (−4 ÷ 211) × 100 ≈ −1.90%.

3. Tanks: ((2,034 − 2,593) ÷ 2,593) × 100 = (−559 ÷ 2,593) × 100 ≈ −21.56%.

4. Other sources: ((7,314 − 3,102) ÷ 3,102) × 100 = (4,212 ÷ 3,102) × 100 ≈ +135.78%, so this is an increase.

Cross-check

Only government canals, private canals, and tanks declined. Their decline magnitudes are approximately 10.80%, 1.90%, and 21.56%, respectively; 21.56% is the largest.

Therefore, tanks registered the largest percentage decline in net area under irrigation.