The correct answer is A) Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. They are a biodiversity hotspot, with a wide variety of plant and animal life. The Western Ghats are also home to a number of important medicinal plants, including tulsi, ashwagandha, and neem.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants in the Western Ghats. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing demand for these products in the global market, the potential for economic development in the region, and the need to conserve the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants has a number of benefits for the local economy. It can create jobs, generate income, and promote sustainable development. It can also help to conserve the biodiversity of the Western Ghats by providing an incentive for people to protect the forests.
However, there are also some challenges associated with the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. These include the need for careful planning and management, the potential for environmental damage, and the need to ensure that the benefits of cultivation are shared equitably.
Despite these challenges, the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants has the potential to be a major driver of economic development in the Western Ghats. With careful planning and management, it can help to conserve the biodiversity of the region and improve the lives of the people who live there.
The other options are incorrect because:
- The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau that covers most of central and southern India. It is not as biodiverse as the Western Ghats and does not have the same potential for the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants.
- The Northern plains are a vast lowland region that covers most of northern India. They are not as suitable for the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants as the Western Ghats.
- The coastal areas of Karnataka are a narrow strip of land that runs along the Arabian Sea. They are not as biodiverse as the Western Ghats and do not have the same potential for the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants.