(l) (A) Important Beverage Crop and Conditions for its Growth: Tea is an important beverage crop. It is also a classic example of plantation agriculture.
(B) The geographical conditions required for the growth of tea are as mentioned below:
(a) The tea plants grow well in tropical and sub-tropical climates endowed with deep and fertile well-drained soil, rich in humus and organic matter. (b) The ideal temperature for its growth is
20 “C to 30 “C and an annual rainfall of 150 cm to 300 cm. (c) Tea bushes require warm and moist frost free climate all through the year. (d) Frequent showers evenly distributed over the year ensure continuous growth of tender leaves. (e) Tea is a labor-intensive crop. It requires abundant, cheap and skilled labour. (f) Tea is processed. within the tea garden to restore its freshness.
(g) Assam, hills of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the leading tea-producing states. (h) India is the leading producer as well as exporter of the tea in the world.