UPSC Prelims 2022 Q62: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
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
- (d) All four States
Answer: (d) All four States
Explanation
Tea-growing States in India
All four States grow tea, though on very different scales.
| State | Tea area | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Araku Valley and the Eastern Ghats | Small tribal-grown plantations, also known for coffee |
| Kerala | Munnar, Wayanad, Idukki | Major south Indian tea region |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kangra Valley | Kangra tea has a GI tag |
| Tripura | Plantations across the State | Recognised tea State in the north-east |
The Tea Board of India lists all four as tea-producing States.
Assam and West Bengal remain the largest producers.
Answer: (d) All four States.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Far more than one: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura are well-known tea States.
- (b) Incorrect. Even leaving out Andhra, Kerala, Himachal and Tripura make three.
- (c) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh also grows tea in the Araku Valley, making it four.
- (d) CORRECT. Andhra (Araku), Kerala (Munnar), Himachal (Kangra) and Tripura all produce tea.
Key point
All four grow tea: Andhra Pradesh (Araku), Kerala (Munnar), Himachal Pradesh (Kangra, GI tag) and Tripura.
Remember
Tea States include Kangra (HP), Araku (AP), Munnar (Kerala) and Tripura.
Common mistakes
- Ruling out Himachal Pradesh, forgetting the GI-tagged Kangra tea.
- Not knowing Andhra Pradesh grows tea in the Araku Valley.
- Thinking only Assam, West Bengal and the Nilgiris grow tea.
Exam tip
Know the small, niche tea regions: Kangra (HP), Araku (AP), Tripura and Munnar alongside Assam and Darjeeling.
Sources
- Tea Board of India — State-wise tea area and production
- NCERT Class X — Contemporary India II, Ch 4 (Agriculture)