Consider the following States:
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
Correct Answer D. All four States
Explanation
The correct option is D (All four States).
- Kerala: A major traditional tea producer, predominantly cultivated in the high-altitude tracts of Munnar (Idukki district) and Wayanad.
- Himachal Pradesh: Famous for its GI-tagged orthodox black and green teas grown in the Kangra Valley, alongside pockets in Mandi.
- Tripura: The leading tea-producing State among the non-traditional northeastern states after Assam, with commercial plantations spread across Dhalai, North Tripura, and Unakoti.
- Andhra Pradesh: While non-traditional, commercial organic and specialty tea plantations are cultivated in the high-altitude agency tracts of the Eastern Ghats, particularly around the Araku Valley (Alluri Sitharama Raju district).
Because all four states have recognized commercial tea cultivation under the Tea Board of India, all four qualify.