Question

How much of rainfall is required for the cultivation of tea
A. \[50\]\[cm\]
B. \[100\]\[cm\]
C. \[300\]\[cm\]
D. \[200\]\[cm\]

Answer 1

Hint: Tea plants are extremely flexible and can thrive in a variety of climates. They can handle light snow or frost. However, they cannot withstand prolonged cold winters or heavy freezes. Thus, the tea plant can grow from tropical climates to subtropical climates, and typically requires high humidity and heavy rainfall during the growing season.

Complete answer:
Option A \[50\]\[cm\]: Rainfall of \[50\]\[cm\] is very low and not suitable for the cultivation of tea. Cotton, Oilseeds, Millets and Grams are some of the plants that can grow with a rainfall of \[50\]\[cm\].
Option A is incorrect.
Option B \[100\]\[cm\]: Some of the major food crops like rice, wheat, millets and other vegetable crops can grow at a rainfall of \[100\]\[cm\]. This temperature however is too low for the growth of the tea plant.
Option B Is incorrect.
Option C \[300\]\[cm\]: Rainfall of \[300\]\[cm\]is very high for any crops to grow. This rainfall is a characteristic of tropical evergreen rainforests. Some of the trees that grow in this rainfall are Ebony, Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood, Rubber, Eucalyptus and Chinchona.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D \[200\]\[cm\]: Tea plant requires \[150 - 200{\text{ }}cm\] annual rainfall which must be well distributed throughout the year. Prolonged dry spell is harmful for them. High humidity, heavy dew and fog favour rapid development of young tea leaves.
Option D is correct.

So, Option D is the correct answer.

Note:
Tea plants require heavy rainfall in the form of frequent showers, without extended freezing periods in the winter. The rain should be well distributed throughout the year because tea cannot withstand drought. Most commercially managed tea gardens are located on hill slopes in the highlands where drainage is good. Tea plant is a shade loving plant hence grows vigorously in shady regions.