Explain this statement, “There is a general consensus that high level of buffer stock

CBSE Class 9 CBSE Class 9 Social Science
1

(a) Explain this statement, “There is a general consensus that high level of buffer stock
of foodgrains is very undesirable and can be wasteful".
(b) What values/lesson you have learnt from the given statement?

2

(a) A high level of buffer stock of foodgrains has the following undesirable problems :

  1. Since these foodgrains are procured by the government at a high Minimum Support Price (government keeps the price high to give incentive to the farmers to grow more), it means more carrying costs for the government.

  2. As storage space is inadequate, many times the excess procured grain is stored in the open, causing deterioration in quality and infestation by rodents, which can cause diseases in people after consuming this grain. In this way lot of grains are destroyed or wasted.

(b) From the given statement I have learnt that proper planning and management of stock is essential before maintaining it. Using proper techniques of storage will prevent the wastage of food grains. This will provide food to the millions of people in India.