Consider the following statements: 

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia aoyssinica) seeds. 

2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop. 

3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.  

How many of the above statements are correct? 

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None 

Ans: c

Explanation:

The Government’s price policy for major agricultural commodities seeks to ensure

remunerative prices to the growers for their produce with a view to encourage higher investment and production and thereby to safeguard the interest of consumers by making available supplies at reasonable prices. 

The Government fixes MSP of 22 mandated agricultural crops on the basis of the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) and after due consideration of the views of State Governments and the concerned Central Ministries/ Departments. 

The 22 mandated crops include 14 Kharif crops viz. paddy, jowar, bajra, maize,

ragi, tur (arhar), moong, urad, groundnut, soybean (yellow), sunflower seed, sesamum, nigerseed, cotton and 6 Rabi crops viz. wheat, barley, gram, masur (lentil), rapeseed and mustard, safflowerand 2 commercial crops viz. jute and copra. 

Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

The major edible oils consumed in the country are mustard, soyabean, groundnut, sunflower sesame oil, niger seed, safflower seed, castor and linseed (primary source) and coconut, palm oil, cottonseed, rice bran, solvent extracted oil, tree & forest origin oil. 

Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Read: Solved Economy PYQs With Explanation 2023 UPSC Prelims