'Blossom Shower' triggers the blossoming of the flowers of which crops in Kerala and nearby areas?
- AOption (a)
Tea
- BOption (b)
Coffee
- COption (c)
Sunflower
- DOption (d)
Cotton
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Correct answer
Coffee
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Coffee.
Key Points
- Blossom Shower is a climatic phenomenon in Kerala and nearby regions that triggers the blooming of coffee flowers.
- Coffee plants require specific climatic conditions for flowering, and the Blossom Shower ensures adequate moisture for the flowers to bloom.
- This phenomenon usually occurs in the months of March and April, aligning with the coffee flowering season.
- The Blossom Shower is crucial for coffee cultivation as it directly affects the subsequent fruiting and yield of the coffee plants.
- Kerala is one of the prominent coffee-growing regions in India, along with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Additional Information
- Coffee Cultivation in India:
- India is the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, with Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu being the major coffee-producing states.
- Two main types of coffee grown in India are Arabica and Robusta.
- Coffee is primarily grown in shaded areas and requires a tropical climate with moderate rainfall.
- Climate Requirements for Coffee:
- Coffee plants thrive in temperatures ranging between 15°C to 28°C.
- Well-distributed rainfall of 1,500-2,500 mm annually is ideal for coffee cultivation.
- Excessive frost or drought conditions can adversely affect coffee production.
- Flowering Process in Coffee Plants:
- After a dry spell, coffee plants require adequate moisture for their flowers to bloom.
- The Blossom Shower provides the necessary water, triggering synchronized flowering.
- Uniform flowering ensures a higher yield and better-quality coffee beans.
- India’s Coffee Export:
- India exports a significant portion of its coffee production, primarily to Europe and Russia.
- Indian coffee is known for its unique flavor and aroma, attributed to the shaded cultivation and monsoon processing method.