What was the colonial interest in clearing forests for commercial plantations?

Correct answer: Growing cash crops for export to earn revenue and profit

Colonial rulers cleared natural forests to establish plantations of cash crops such as tea, coffee and rubber. Exporting these crops brought revenue and profit to the colonial government and European traders. Option D relates to local community needs, but the main purpose of plantations was not local welfare; it was export-based profit. Exam tip: link plantations with cash crops, exports and colonial profit.