IAS Prelims Geography GQ-8 – 2022 | Indian Agriculture: Tea-Producing States
Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📍 The Question
Consider the following States:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Himachal Pradesh
- Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
(a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Only three States
🎯 Theme of the Question
Indian Geography | Agriculture | Plantation Crops | Tea Cultivation
This question tests awareness of tea geography beyond Assam and West Bengal, a favourite UPSC trap area.
🧠 Classroom Explanation
Let us evaluate each State one by one.
🔹 1. Andhra Pradesh ❌
Andhra Pradesh is not generally known as a tea-producing State.
- Dominant crops: rice, tobacco, cotton, chillies
- Tea cultivation is negligible and not traditional
✔️ Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
🔹 2. Kerala ✅
Kerala is a major tea-producing State.
- Tea plantations in:
- Munnar
- Wayanad
- Idukki
- Part of the southern tea belt along with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
✔️ Statement 2 is correct.
🔹 3. Himachal Pradesh ✅
Himachal Pradesh is a traditional but smaller tea-producing State.
- Tea grown mainly in:
- Kangra Valley
- Parts of Mandi district
- Kangra tea has GI recognition
- Production scale is limited but historically significant
✔️ Statement 3 is correct.
🔹 4. Tripura ✅
Tripura is a recognized tea-producing State, especially in Northeast India.
- Over 50 tea estates
- Rapid growth of small tea growers
- Tea is an important agro-industry in the State
✔️ Statement 4 is correct.
📊 Final Assessment
| State | Tea-producing? |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | ❌ |
| Kerala | ✅ |
| Himachal Pradesh | ✅ |
| Tripura | ✅ |
👉 Correct count = 3 States
👉 Answer: (c)
🧩 Memory Hook
“Kerala brews south, Kangra brews hills, Tripura brews east — Andhra skips tea.”
🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight
UPSC often:
- Includes lesser-known traditional producers (Tripura, Himachal)
- Expects candidates not to restrict tea to Assam & Darjeeling
Think in terms of:
- Major + traditional + emerging tea regions
🧭 IAS Monk Whisper
Tea doesn’t ask for fame —
only altitude, rain, and patience.