Consider the following: 1. Areca nut 2. Barley 3. Coffee 4. Finger millet 5. Groundnut 6. Sesamum 7. Turmeric The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has a

1. A. 1, 2, 3 and 7 only
2. B. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
3. C. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: B

Explanation

The MSP is fixed on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The CACP is a statutory body and submits separate reports recommending prices for Kharif and Rabi seasons. Initially, MSP (now awarded for 23 crops) covered paddy, rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi (Finger Millet), barley, gram, tur, moong, urad, sugarcane, groundnut, soybean, sunflower seed, rapeseed and mustard, cotton, jute and tobacco. From 1994-95 onwards, Nigerseed and Sesame were included under MSP Scheme of CACP, in addition to the edible oilseeds already covered by the Commission. Similarly, during 2001-2002, the government enhanced the terms of reference of the Commission by including lentil (masur). Hence option (b) is the correct answer.