Question

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question:

Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

1. Spices
2. Fresh fruits
3. Pulses
4. Vegetable Oils

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: Vegetable Oils

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

‘Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2018’ by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, gives statistics on imports of agricultural commodities from 2013-2014 to 2017-2018. As per the data, the most imported agricultural commodity in terms of value is Vegetable Oils.
India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia, and a small quantity of crude soft oil, including soyabean oil from Argentina. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia. The country has to rely on imports to meet the gap between demand and supply. Import of edible oil is under Open General License.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Economics | Agriculture and Food Management

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