Consider the following States : 1. Andhra Pradesh 2. Kerala 3. Himachal Pradesh 4. Tripura How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States ?
- (a) Only one State
- (b) Only two States
- (c) Only three States ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) All four States
Why the answer is (c)
• Beyond Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, several smaller States are recognised tea producers by the Tea Board.
• Kerala grows tea in Munnar and Wayanad; Himachal Pradesh has the Kangra tea tracts around Palampur; Tripura is the fifth-largest tea-producing State with over 50 estates — items 2, 3 and 4.
• Andhra Pradesh is not a tea-producing State; its plantation crops are coffee (Araku) and cashew.
• Hence three States, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Only one State
- Three States, not one, produce tea.
- (b) Only two States
- Kerala, Himachal and Tripura all produce tea, making three.
- (d) All four States
- Andhra Pradesh is not a tea-producing State.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.