GS PrelimsAgricultureMinimum Support Price (MSP)2020

Consider the following statements: 1. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India. 2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

2 only

C

Both 1 and 2

D

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is incorrect. While the procurement of wheat and paddy (cereals) at Minimum Support Price (MSP) by government agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is extensive and aims to procure all grains offered by farmers that meet quality standards, it is not technically 'unlimited'. More importantly, for pulses and oil-seeds, procurement is generally undertaken under schemes like the Price Support Scheme (PSS), which is typically limited to procuring 25% of the actual production of the commodity for that particular year/season in a State/UT. Thus, procurement is not unlimited for all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. The MSP is fixed as a floor price to protect farmers from sharp falls in market prices. It does not guarantee that the market price will never rise above the MSP. Market prices are determined by supply and demand forces and can certainly rise above the MSP level, especially if there is high demand or low supply. 3. Therefore, neither statement 1 nor 2 is correct.

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