Consider the following characteristics of a crop: It is grown as a plantation crop in India. Requires a humid tropical climate with high rainfall (above 200 cm). Grows best in laterite and well-drained loamy soils. The main producing states are Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. India is one of the top global producers of this crop. 

Which of the following crops matches the description?

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Plantation crop & humid tropical climate → Matches tea, coffee, rubber, coconut
• Requires rainfall above 200 cm → Eliminates coconut (needs less rainfall)
• Laterite and loamy soil preference → Matches rubber & coffee
• Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu as main producers → Matches rubber
• India is among the top global producers → India is a major rubber producer (after Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia).
  • Correct Answer: (c) Rubber