Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past?
- Minimum Support Price
- Government’s trading
- Government’s stockpiling
- Consumer subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2, 3 and 4
All four factors significantly influence rice prices in India. The government employs multiple policy tools—MSP guarantees, FCI procurement and sales, buffer stock management, and subsidized distribution through PDS—creating a complex web of interventions that collectively shape market availability and consumer prices.
✅ Statement 1 – Minimum Support Price (MSP): Correct MSP guarantees a floor price for farmers; when procurement occurs at MSP levels, it reduces market supply and can push up consumer prices.
✅ Statement 2 – Government's Trading: Correct FCI and other government agencies' procurement and sale decisions directly affect market supply dynamics and rice availability in the open market.
✅ Statement 3 – Government's Stockpiling: Correct Buffer stock management affects supply; depleted stocks can create shortages and price spikes, while excessive stocks can depress prices.
✅ Statement 4 – Consumer Subsidies: Correct Subsidized rice through PDS increases effective demand and can exert upward pressure on overall market prices by boosting consumption.
Question 2 of 5 MSP and Procurement
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