The correct answer is a) Coffee.
Kerala is a major producer of coffee in India. In 2020, Kerala produced 34,000 tonnes of coffee, which was about 20% of India’s total coffee production. Coffee is grown in the Western Ghats mountains in Kerala, and the state is known for its high-quality coffee beans.
Coffee is a beverage made from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red in color – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds (referred to as “beans”) are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. Roasted beans are ground and then brewed with near-boiling water to produce the beverage known as coffee.
Coffee has recently become a popular beverage in India, and Kerala is one of the leading producers of coffee in the country. The coffee industry in Kerala is a major source of employment and income for the state.
Option b) Tea is also a major beverage crop in India, but Kerala is not a major producer of tea. Tea is grown in the eastern and northeastern states of India, such as Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura.
Option c) Cocoa is not a major beverage crop in India, and Kerala does not produce cocoa. Cocoa is grown in the southern states of India, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Option d) Sugarcane is not a major beverage crop in India, and Kerala does not produce sugarcane. Sugarcane is grown in the northern states of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.