Assertion (A): There are no tea plantations in any African country.
Reason (R): Tea plants need fertile soil with high humus.

Correct Option

Option (d):

Assertion (A) states that there are no tea plantations in any African country. This statement is false. Several African nations are significant tea producers and exporters. Notable examples include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, and Zimbabwe. Kenya is one of the world's leading tea exporters, with extensive plantations in its highlands, such as the Kericho region.

Reason (R) states that tea plants need fertile soil with high humus. This statement is true. Tea cultivation requires well-drained, deep, fertile, loamy soils that are slightly acidic and rich in organic matter (humus). Humus improves soil structure, water retention capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability, which are essential for optimal tea plant growth. Areas with volcanic soils, often found in parts of East Africa, provide these ideal conditions.

Since Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is true, Reason (R) cannot be a correct explanation for Assertion (A).

Incorrect Options

Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because Assertion (A) is false, as tea is extensively cultivated in several African countries.

Option (c) is incorrect because Reason (R) is true, as tea plants indeed require fertile soil with high humus content for optimal growth.