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?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

Answer: C

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. Niger (Guizotia abyssinicia), also known as ramtil, is indeed one of the 14 Kharif crops for which the Government of India announces a Minimum Support Price (MSP) annually. Statement 2 is correct. Niger is primarily cultivated as a Kharif crop in India, particularly in rain-fed areas across several states. Statement 3 is correct. Niger seed holds significant socio-economic importance for tribal communities in India. Its oil is traditionally used for cooking, and the seeds themselves are consumed as a condiment. The press cake remaining after oil extraction is also used as livestock feed. Given that all three statements are factually accurate, the correct answer is ‘All three’. This question tests knowledge about specific agricultural commodities, government support policies like MSP, and their cultural and economic relevance, especially for vulnerable communities.