Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Kerala
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Commercial crops such as rubber, tea, coffee and spices contribute significantly to regional economies. Natural rubber cultivation in India is concentrated in a few states with suitable climate. This question asks which state is the largest producer of natural rubber, a standard static fact in Indian geography.
Given Data / Assumptions:
• The crop considered is natural rubber.
• We must identify the state that produces the highest quantity of this crop.
• Options include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Tripura and Assam.
• We assume figures from recent standard references where Kerala remains the top producer.
Concept / Approach:
Rubber trees require a warm, moist climate with high rainfall and well drained soils.
Kerala has long been the leading natural rubber producing state, contributing a major share of the national output.
While northeastern states such as Tripura have increased their production, Kerala still holds the top position in most current statistics.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that historically and at present, Kerala is strongly associated with rubber plantations.
Step 2: Many exam oriented notes directly state that Kerala accounts for the largest share of natural rubber production in India.
Step 3: Tripura has emerged as the second largest producer but does not exceed Kerala.
Step 4: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Assam do produce rubber but at lower volumes compared with Kerala.
Step 5: Therefore, select Kerala as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
Agricultural statistics and government reports list Kerala as the leading natural rubber producing state.
Static general knowledge capsules for competitive exams consistently name Kerala in this context.
Even though the northeastern region share has grown, Kerala remains at the top when total production is compared.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tamil Nadu: Important for plantations of tea and coffee, and some rubber, but not the largest rubber producer.
Karnataka: Has rubber cultivation in coastal and Malnad regions, but its output is lower than that of Kerala.
Tripura: Second largest producer in recent data, but still behind Kerala in total production.
Assam: Produces some rubber but is not among the topmost producers by volume.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates who have read about the growth of rubber in the northeast sometimes mistakenly think Tripura has overtaken Kerala.
Others may guess Tamil Nadu or Karnataka due to their general plantation crop profile.
The safest approach is to remember that Kerala continues to be the largest natural rubber producer in India according to widely used exam sources.
Final Answer:
The largest natural rubber producing state in India is Kerala.
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