The correct answer is (a) 23.
The Agricultural Cost and Price Commission of India (ACPC) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It was established in 1965 to advise the government on matters relating to agricultural costs, prices, and incomes.
The ACPC recommends minimum support prices (MSPs) for 23 crops, which are:
- Paddy
- Wheat
- Rice
- Maize
- Bajra
- Jowar
- Tur
- Urad
- Moong
- Gram
- Cotton
- Jute
- Sugarcane
- Groundnut
- Rapeseed and mustard
- Soybean
- Sunflower
- Potato
- Onion
- Tomato
- Chillies
The MSP is the minimum price at which the government is willing to purchase a crop from farmers. The MSP is announced by the government every year before the sowing season. The MSP is based on the cost of production of the crop, the market price of the crop, and the government’s objective of ensuring a fair price to farmers.
The MSP is an important instrument for ensuring the welfare of farmers. It helps to protect farmers from the volatility of market prices and ensures that they get a fair price for their produce. The MSP also helps to increase agricultural production and productivity.