Question

Which of the following is NOT a plantation crop?
A. Coconut
B. Potato
C. Oil Palm
D. Cashew
E. Rubber

Answer 1

Hint: Plantation crops refer to those crops which are grown in the tropical or subtropical region. They are grown either by skilled or unskilled labor and specialize in cash crops. They may be hybrid in nature also.

Complete answer:
Option A, ‘Coconut’ is a plantation crop which is grown for the purpose of sale and not for local consumption. They are grown in areas with coastal belts, hilly areas, high amount of rainfall and high humidity. Thus, it is an incorrect answer.

Option B, ‘Potato’ is a vegetable which belongs to the Solanaceae family of flowering plants which grows beneath the soil or it is a kind of root vegetable. It has its origin in South America. Potato is cultivated from its seeds or piece of potato which means a new plant can be grown from the piece or the seed. It is grown in areas of cool climate conditions, fertile soil and good amounts of moisture. The main months of cultivation are from October to December. Thus, it is the correct answer.

Option C, ‘Oil Palm’ also falls in the category of plantation crop. So, it is not the correct answer.

Option D, ‘Cashew’ is grown in the Peninsular parts of the country mainly in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu which is in the coastal region. It is thus a part of plantation crop and an incorrect answer.

Option E, ‘Rubber’ is conventionally grown in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the tropical regions making it a part of the plantation crop. So, it is also not the correct answer.

Therefore the answer is B.

Note:
Plantation crops are also known as Cash Crops.
Non-plantation crops are those which are used for local consumption mainly and not for sale.
For example: Sugarcane, Cocoa etc.