Plantation Crops Archives

1. Which of the following States in India has the largest producer of cof

Which of the following States in India has the largest producer of coffee crop?

Kerala

Maharashtra

Telangana

Karnataka

This question was previously asked in

UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2019-20

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Karnataka is the largest producer of coffee crop in India.

Karnataka accounts for the major share of coffee production in India, typically around 70% of the total output. The primary coffee-growing regions in Karnataka are Chikmagalur, Kodagu (Coorg), and Hassan.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the second and third largest coffee-producing states, respectively. Indian coffee is well-known globally for its quality, particularly Arabica and Robusta varieties grown under shade.

2. Consider the following geographical conditions : Well-drained, rich f

Consider the following geographical conditions :

Well-drained, rich friable loams containing good deal of minerals, temperature between 15 °C-28 °C and rainfall between 150 cm-250 cm and altitude variations from 600 m-1600 m

Which one among the following crops is suitable under the above conditions?

Tea

Coffee

Coconut

Cashew nut

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024

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The geographical conditions described – well-drained, rich friable loams, temperature between 15 °C-28 °C, rainfall between 150 cm-250 cm, and altitude variations from 600 m-1600 m – are ideal for the cultivation of Coffee.

Coffee thrives in tropical climates with distinct wet and dry seasons, requiring well-drained soil, moderate temperatures, high rainfall, and often grown on slopes at varying altitudes (600-1600m is typical for Arabica coffee, although Robusta can be grown lower). These conditions closely match the description.

Tea requires slightly different conditions, typically needing highly fertile, acidic soil, temperatures between 20-30°C (though it can tolerate wider ranges), very high rainfall (100-150 cm to over 400 cm), and is often grown on slopes in hilly areas. Coconut grows best in coastal sandy soils in hot, humid climates with high rainfall (100-300 cm) and low altitudes. Cashew nut prefers well-drained sandy loam soils, high temperatures (20-30°C+), and moderate rainfall (100-200 cm) at lower altitudes. Comparing the requirements, coffee is the best fit for the given conditions.

3. Which one among the following is not a plantation crop ?

Which one among the following is *not* a plantation crop ?

Coffee

Sugarcane

Wheat

Rubber

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2011

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Among the given options, Wheat is not a plantation crop.

Plantation crops are typically grown on large estates with the primary purpose of export or large-scale processing. They are usually perennial crops or annual crops cultivated using methods similar to perennials on large farms.
– Coffee: Perennial crop, grown on plantations.
– Sugarcane: Often grown on large farms, historically associated with plantations in many regions.
– Wheat: A staple food grain, typically grown as a field crop in extensive or intensive farming systems, not considered a plantation crop.
– Rubber: Perennial tree crop, widely grown on plantations.

Other examples of plantation crops include tea, cocoa, cotton, oil palm, and specific spices like cardamom. Wheat is a field crop usually cultivated on small to large farms, but not typically categorised under the ‘plantation’ model which implies specific economic and organisational structures often linked to colonial history or large-scale commercial export.

4. Which of the following conditions is/are essential for tea cultivation

Which of the following conditions is/are essential for tea cultivation ?

1. Tropical and sub-tropical climate
2. Heavy rainfall ranging from 150 cm to 250 cm
3. Soil should contain good amount of lime

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2018

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The correct answer is B.

Tea cultivation requires specific climatic and soil conditions. Statement 1 is correct as tea thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Statement 2 is also correct as it needs heavy rainfall (150-250 cm), which should be well-distributed throughout the year. Statement 3 is incorrect; tea plants require well-drained, fertile soil rich in humus and iron, and importantly, slightly acidic soil. Soil containing a good amount of lime makes the soil alkaline, which is not suitable for tea cultivation. Therefore, only conditions 1 and 2 are essential among the given options.

Tea is grown in hilly areas with good drainage because stagnant water is harmful to the roots. Important tea-growing regions in India include Assam, West Bengal (Darjeeling, Dooars), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. India is one of the leading producers and consumers of tea globally.

5. Consider the following statements pertaining to Coffee plantation in I

Consider the following statements pertaining to Coffee plantation in India :

Need warm and moist climate with a spell of dry weather during the ripening period
Rolling fields having good drainage
Strong sunshine over hilly slopes exceeding temperature 35°C
Karnataka is the leading producer in India

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3

3 and 4

1, 2 and 4

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2017

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Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.

Statement 1: Coffee needs a warm and moist climate with temperatures generally ranging from 15°C to 28°C. A spell of dry weather is required during the ripening period for harvesting. This statement is correct.
Statement 2: Coffee plants thrive on well-drained soil. Rolling fields and hilly slopes provide excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging, which is detrimental to coffee roots. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: While coffee needs sunshine, strong direct sunshine, especially exceeding 35°C, is generally harmful. Coffee is often grown under shade trees in India to regulate temperature and sunlight intensity. This statement is incorrect.
Statement 4: Karnataka is indeed the largest producer of coffee in India, accounting for over 70% of the country’s total production. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the other major producing states. This statement is correct.

Arabica and Robusta are the two main varieties of coffee grown in India. Indian coffee is highly regarded globally, particularly for its unique flavor profiles due to cultivation under shade. The coffee plantations are primarily concentrated in the Southern states of India in the Western Ghats region.

6. Which one of the following States is not prominent for plantation agri

Which one of the following States is not prominent for plantation agriculture ?

Rajasthan

Assam

Nagaland

Kerala

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2021

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The correct option is A) Rajasthan.

Plantation agriculture is characterized by large-scale cultivation of a single crop, typically cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, spices, and sugarcane, grown on large estates. These crops often require specific climatic conditions, such as high rainfall and warm temperatures, and fertile soils.

States like Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of the North-Eastern states (like Nagaland for rubber and tea in some areas) are prominent for plantation agriculture. Rajasthan, on the other hand, has an arid and semi-arid climate and is primarily known for crops like bajra, jowar, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and wheat, and does not have significant areas under plantation crops.

7. Which of the following statements regarding coconut production in Laks

Which of the following statements regarding coconut production in Lakshadweep is/are correct?

1. Productivity per hectare is highest in India.
2. Oil content in nuts is highest in the world.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2024

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The question asks about the correctness of statements regarding coconut production in Lakshadweep.

Statement 1: Lakshadweep is well-known for achieving very high productivity per hectare in coconut cultivation due to favorable climate, soil conditions, and intensive cultivation practices, often cited as among the highest in India. Statement 2: While Lakshadweep coconuts are of good quality, the claim that their oil content is the highest *in the world* is an extremely strong and likely incorrect statement, as oil content varies widely depending on coconut variety, maturity, and processing methods globally.

Coconut is the primary crop and the backbone of the economy of Lakshadweep. The local variety ‘Laccadive Ordinary’ is popular. While productivity is high, claiming the highest oil content globally requires evidence that is not generally available and is likely untrue given the diversity of coconut varieties worldwide.

8. Arabica, Robusta and Liberica are varieties of

Arabica, Robusta and Liberica are varieties of

Coffee

Tea

Sugarcane

Cotton

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-1 – 2021

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The correct answer is A) Coffee. Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica are the major commercially cultivated species or varieties of the coffee plant (Coffea).

Arabica and Robusta are the two main species that dominate global coffee production, known for their distinct flavour profiles and growing conditions. Liberica is a minor species.

Arabica is known for its complex flavour and aroma, typically grown in high altitudes, and accounts for about 60% of world production. Robusta is hardier, has a stronger, more bitter taste with higher caffeine content, and is often used in espresso blends and instant coffee.