The correct answer is: a) Wheat and paddy.
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a price set by the government of India to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce. The MSP is set for a number of crops, including wheat and paddy. Punjab is a major producer of wheat and paddy, and the MSP plays a crucial role in influencing cropping patterns in the state.
The MSP is set at a level that is higher than the market price of the crop. This means that farmers can sell their produce at the MSP even if the market price is lower. This helps to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce and that they are not at the mercy of market forces.
The MSP is also used to stabilize the prices of agricultural commodities. When the market price of a crop falls below the MSP, the government buys the crop from farmers at the MSP. This helps to prevent a fall in prices that could hurt farmers.
The MSP is a controversial policy. Some people argue that it is necessary to protect farmers and ensure that they get a fair price for their produce. Others argue that it distorts the market and leads to overproduction of certain crops.
Despite the controversy, the MSP remains an important policy for the Indian government. It is used to ensure that farmers get a fair price for their produce and that they are not at the mercy of market forces.
The other options are incorrect because they are not major crops produced in Punjab. Fruits and vegetables, pulses and oilseeds, and organic produce are all important crops, but they are not as important as wheat and paddy in Punjab.