Which of the following is a beverage crop grown on plantations?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Tea

Explanation:
• Tea is an important beverage crop grown on plantations. Plantation agriculture is a type of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area using capital-intensive inputs and modern technology.
• Tea cultivation requires a well-drained, fertile, and deep soil rich in humus and organic matter. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with warm and moist frost-free environments throughout the year.
• Frequent showers distributed evenly over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves. It is a labor-intensive industry requiring abundant, cheap, and skilled labor.

Information Booster:
• Major tea-producing states in India include Assam, West Bengal (particularly the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. India is one of the leading producers and exporters of high-quality tea globally.

Additional Knowledge:
• Jute (Option A): Known as the 'Golden Fiber', it is a major cash crop utilized for making gunny bags, ropes, and mats, rather than being a beverage crop.
• Millets (Option B): These are coarse grains (like Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi) known for high nutritional value, grown primarily under dryland farming conditions.
• Maize (Option C): Used both as food and fodder, it is a Kharif crop requiring moderate temperatures and rainfall, cultivated on a variety of soils.