Previous Year Question
Consider the following States:
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Himachal Pradesh
Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
Only one State
Only two States
Only three States
All four States
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
1. Andhra Pradesh—not included
Andhra Pradesh is not generally counted among India’s tea-producing States. The principal confusion arises from Araku Valley. The Coffee Board of India identifies Araku Valley as a famous coffee-producing region of Andhra Pradesh. Treating Araku as a tea region would therefore be incorrect.
The question does not ask whether tea is grown somewhere in small quantities; it asks whether the State is “generally known as” a tea-producing State.
2. Kerala—included
Kerala is a major tea-producing State of southern India. Munnar in Idukki district and Wayanad are among its well-known tea regions. Kerala’s production forms an important part of the South Indian tea industry.
3. Himachal Pradesh—included
Himachal Pradesh is principally known for Kangra tea. Commercial tea cultivation has been practised in the Kangra Valley since the nineteenth century. The Tea Board of India also has a regional office at Palampur.
4. Tripura—included
Tripura is a traditional tea-producing State of northeastern India. The Tea Board of India places Tripura among the other traditional tea-growing States and also maintains a regional office at Agartala.
Therefore, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura—a total of three States—are correct.