Consider the following statements: 1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) 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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Government of India announces Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 22 mandated crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. Niger seed is one of the 14 Kharif crops for which MSP is officially provided by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
Statement 2 is correct: Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an oilseed crop primarily grown during the Kharif season in India. It is a minor oilseed crop that can grow in poor soils and is often cultivated in hilly and tribal areas.
Statement 3 is correct: Niger seed oil is traditionally used for cooking by various tribal communities, particularly in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Apart from cooking, the oil is also used for lighting, lubrication, and in the preparation of soaps and medicines.