Question 1576

Which of the following are Plantation crops respectively in Assam and Karnataka?

Answer

Tea and coffee

Why?

The correct answer is Tea and coffee . Key Points Plantation crops are those that are grown on a large scale in a contiguous area, owned and managed by an individual or a company. These include crops like tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, coconut, areca nut, oil palm, and cashew . Assam is globally recognized as the largest tea-producing region in the world by contiguous area. It contributes approximately 50% of India's total tea production. The Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley are the primary locations for these plantations. Karnataka is the leading producer of coffee in India, accounting for nearly 71% of the country's total output. The major coffee-growing districts in the state are Kodagu (Coorg) , Chikmagalur , and Hassan . While rice and wheat are major food crops, they are categorized as cereal crops or staple crops rather than plantation crops. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. Barley and ragi are coarse cereals (millets), with Karnataka being a major producer of ragi , but they do not fall under the commercial "plantation" category. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. Tea and coffee are the definitive plantation crops for Assam and Karnataka respectively. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Sugarcane is a cash crop and mustard is an oilseed; neither is typically classified as a plantation crop in the context of these specific states. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect. Additional Information Tea (Camellia sinensis): It is a beverage crop that requires a tropical and sub-tropical climate with deep, fertile, well-drained soil rich in humus and organic matter . Tea bushes require warm and moist frost-free climates all through the year. Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves. India is the second-largest producer of tea in the world after China as of recent global agricultural data. Coffee (Coffea): Coffee cultivation in India was reportedly started by Baba Budan , a 17th-century Sufi saint, who brought seven magic beans from Yemen and planted them in the Chandragiri Hills of Karnataka . India primarily produces two types of coffee: Arabica (known for its delicate flavor) and Robusta (known for its strong flavor and higher caffeine content). Coffee plantations require a hot and humid climate with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C and rainfall between 150 to 250 cm . Economic Impact: These crops are highly export-oriented and act as significant foreign exchange earners for the Indian economy. They also provide large-scale employment, especially for women in rural sectors. Important Points Characteristics of Plantation Farming: It involves high capital investment , modern scientific methods of cultivation, monoculture (growing a single crop over a large area), and is usually linked with a well-developed network of transport and processing industries. Geographical Locations: Apart from Assam , tea is also grown in West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts) , Tamil Nadu , and Kerala . Apart from Karnataka , coffee is also grown in Kerala (Wayanad) and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) . Soil Requirements: Tea thrives in slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5), whereas Coffee prefers rich, friable loam with good sub-soil drainage. Major Organizations: The Tea Board of India (headquartered in Kolkata ) and the Coffee Board of India (headquartered in Bengaluru ) are the statutory bodies responsible for the development of these industries.