Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
Ready to check the official UPSC Answer Key?
Click any option above to test yourself under exam conditions, or reveal the explanation directly.
Correct Answer: Option (A) — 1 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is correct: Coffee is strictly a tropical crop requiring warm, frost-free, humid conditions (15°C–28°C), whereas tea can be cultivated across both tropical and subtropical climates (e.g., Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris in India; China; Japan).
Statement 2 is incorrect: While tea is commonly propagated commercially by single-node stem cuttings to ensure clonal uniformity, it can also be grown from seeds. Coffee can also be propagated through both seeds and vegetative cuttings.
Beware of absolute restrictive keywords like 'only' in botanical propagation statements ('propagated by stem cuttings only').
Practice Full-Length & Sectional Prelims Mocks on this Interface
50 simulated tests in the APT Prelims Test Series (₹1,493) or 1-on-1 Mentorship with Avinash Sir.