UPSC Prelims 2009 Q9: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Consider the following statements:
1. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices recommends the Minimum Support Prices for
32 crops.
2. The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has launched the
National Food Security Mission.
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
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Checking two agricultural policy claims
Both statements involve specific agricultural bodies and schemes, with precise factual details.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. CACP recommends MSP for 32 crops | Incorrect | The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices recommends MSP for a smaller number of crops (around two dozen), not 32 — this overstates the actual figure |
| 2. Ministry of Consumer Affairs launched the National Food Security Mission | Incorrect | The National Food Security Mission was actually launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, not the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution |
Correcting both claims:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| CACP's MSP crops | A smaller number, not 32 |
| NFSM's launching ministry | Ministry of Agriculture, not Consumer Affairs |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 32-crop figure for CACP's MSP recommendations overstates the actual number.
- (b) Incorrect. The Ministry of Agriculture, not Consumer Affairs, launched the NFSM.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements contain factual errors, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) CORRECT. Both the overstated crop count and the wrong ministry attribution make these statements inaccurate.
Key point
The CACP recommends MSP for fewer than 32 crops, and the National Food Security Mission was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, NOT the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Remember
CACP's MSP crop count is NOT 32; the National Food Security Mission was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, not Consumer Affairs.
Common mistakes
- Overstating the number of crops covered under CACP's MSP recommendations.
- Misattributing the National Food Security Mission to the wrong ministry.
- Confusing agricultural production schemes with consumer-facing food distribution schemes under a different ministry.
Exam tip
NFSM = Ministry of Agriculture's scheme, not Consumer Affairs. And CACP's MSP crop count is smaller than 32.
Sources
- Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices — mandate and MSP crop list
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare — National Food Security Mission guidelines