Previous Year Question
To whom does the credit goes for the development of coconut and sugarcane agriculture in Philippines?
Spanish and Americans
Hollanders
Britishers
French
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Plantation agriculture was developed mainly by European colonial powers in tropical colonies. Its major characteristics include large estates, heavy capital investment, specialization in a single crop, scientific management, cheap labour and export-oriented production.
In the Philippines, the Spanish and Americans invested heavily in coconut and sugarcane plantations and promoted their commercial development.
In this context, it is useful to remember the association between different colonial powers and plantation crops—
French → Coffee and Cocoa in West Africa
British → Tea in India and Sri Lanka; Rubber in Malaysia; Sugarcane and Banana in the West Indies
Spanish and Americans → Coconut and Sugarcane in the Philippines
Dutch → At one time had major control over Sugarcane cultivation in Indonesia
The tropical climate, adequate rainfall and favourable soils of the Philippines also supported the expansion of coconut and sugarcane plantation agriculture.