UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

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:

• Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is a minor oilseed crop that is grown in India mainly during kharif season. It is also known as ramtil or karala. Niger seeds have high oil content (37-47%) and protein content (18-24%). The oil is used for cooking, lighting, lubrication and perfume making. The seed cake is used as animal feed and manure. Niger seed oil are also consumed as a condiment by some tribal people. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger. So, statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
  
  

• Niger can grow on various types of soils, from clay loam to sandy loam, as long as they are well drained. It can tolerate slight alkalinity and salinity. It requires moist soil and moderate rainfall (1000-1300 mm). Niger is cultivated as a sole crop or mixed crop with millets, groundnut or pulses. The seed rate varies from 5 to 15 kg/ha depending on the method of sowing. Niger is cross-pollinated by bees and other insects.
  
• The major niger producing states in India are Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Jharkhand. The average yield of niger in India is around 266 kg/ha. However, the area under niger cultivation has been declining over the years due to various factors such as low productivity, lack of government support, amarbel infestation and increasing preference for paddy.
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer. 

Subject: Geography | Miscellaneous(geo)