Question 94 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Economics

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinicia) 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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. All three

Strategy: - Statement 1 is validated: Niger (Guizotia abyssinicia) is listed under the Government of India's Minimum Support Price (MSP) for oilseeds.
- Statement 2 is confirmed: Niger is primarily grown during the Kharif season.
- Statement 3 is supported: Niger seed oil is used in tribal diets, particularly in states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
These facts align with agricultural and policy details.

Key Info: ## Niger (Guizotia abyssinicia) Overview

Niger is a minor oilseed crop, native to Ethiopia, widely cultivated in tribal regions across central and eastern India, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

### Policy and Cultivation
*   **MSP Inclusion:** The Government of India includes niger among 14 Kharif crops eligible for Minimum Support Price (MSP), reflecting support for oilseed diversification and tribal welfare.
*   **Annual Declaration:** MSP for niger is declared annually by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP).
*   **Kharif Crop:** Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop, sown with the onset of monsoon (June-July) and harvested in September-October in rainfed areas.
*   **Characteristics:** It is adaptable to marginal soils and valued for its high oil content (approximately 30-40%).

### Cultural and Economic Significance
*   **Tribal Diets:** Niger seed and oil are culturally significant for several tribal communities, with the oil used for cooking due to its light flavor and purported medicinal benefits.
*   **Livestock Feed:** The residual cake from oil extraction serves as livestock feed.
*   **Other Uses:** Niger oil is also utilized in indigenous medicines and as a base in cosmetics and perfumes.
*   **Vital Role:** Despite a shrinking cultivation area, niger's role in tribal agriculture and dietary practices remains vital.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None of the above statements is correct

Consider the following statements: The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinicia) seeds. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking. How many of the above statements are correct?

Consider the following statements:

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

Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.

Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.
How many of the above statements are correct?