Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — All three

All three statements about niger (Guizotia abyssinica) are correct. The Government of India provides MSP for niger seeds as it is one of the 14 Kharif crops under the MSP scheme. Niger is indeed cultivated as a Kharif crop, primarily in hilly and tribal areas with poor soils. Niger seed oil is traditionally used for cooking by tribal communities in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Niger seed is one of the 14 Kharif crops for which the Government of India announces Minimum Support Price (MSP) through the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Niger is primarily cultivated as a Kharif (monsoon season) crop in India, especially in hilly and tribal regions with poor soil conditions.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Niger seed oil is traditionally used for cooking by tribal communities in various states, and also has other uses like lighting, lubrication, and in soap making.

📝 Short Notes: Niger Crop & MSP

• Niger (Guizotia abyssinica): A minor oilseed crop belonging to the Asteraceae family, also known as ramtil or black sesame in some regions.
• Cultivation Season: Primarily grown as a Kharif crop (sown in June-July, harvested in October-November).
• Growing Regions: Mainly cultivated in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jharkhand.
• Soil Requirements: Can grow in poor, marginal soils; suitable for hilly and tribal areas where other crops may not thrive.
• MSP Coverage: Part of 22 mandated crops (14 Kharif + 6 Rabi + 2 other commercial crops) for which Government announces MSP.
• Uses: Oil extraction for cooking (especially by tribal communities), lighting, soap making, and industrial purposes; oil cake used as cattle feed and manure.