The food security system designed by the Indian government consists of which two main components? 1. Buffer Stock 2. Minimum Support Price 3. Public Distribution System 4. Integrated Child Development Services Which of the following statements are correct ?

The correct option is (a). Explanation Food security in India is ensured through a system designed to maintain the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food grains for the population. The Government of India, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), manages this system. This system is structurally composed of two primary components: procurement/storage and distribution. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Buffer Stock is one of the two main components. It refers to the stock of food grains, namely wheat and rice, procured by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This stock is maintained to distribute food in deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society, and to resolve shortages during adverse weather conditions or calamities. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price policy/mechanism used to procure the grains for the buffer stock. While essential to the process, it is classified as an economic instrument or incentive for farmers, not as a structural component of the food security system itself in this context. - Statement 3 is Correct: Public Distribution System (PDS) is the second main component. It is the mechanism through which the food procured by the FCI is distributed to the poorer sections of society through a network of Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops). - Statement 4 is Incorrect: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a welfare scheme focused on early childhood care, nutrition, and development. While it contributes to nutritional security, it is a specific programmatic intervention and not one of the two foundational pillars of the general food security system (Buffer Stock and PDS). Key Takeaway: The Indian food security system is fundamentally built upon two pillars: Buffer Stock (supply-side management) and the Public Distribution System (demand-side distribution).

NCERT Class 9 Economics — Chapter 4: Food Security in India

mcqeasy

The food security system designed by the Indian government consists of which two main components?

Buffer Stock
Minimum Support Price
Public Distribution System
Integrated Child Development Services

Which of the following statements are correct ?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B2 and 4 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Food security in India is ensured through a system designed to maintain the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food grains for the population. The Government of India, through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), manages this system. This system is structurally composed of two primary components: procurement/storage and distribution.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Buffer Stock is one of the two main components. It refers to the stock of food grains, namely wheat and rice, procured by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This stock is maintained to distribute food in deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society, and to resolve shortages during adverse weather conditions or calamities.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price policy/mechanism used to procure the grains for the buffer stock. While essential to the process, it is classified as an economic instrument or incentive for farmers, not as a structural component of the food security system itself in this context.
Statement 3 is Correct: Public Distribution System (PDS) is the second main component. It is the mechanism through which the food procured by the FCI is distributed to the poorer sections of society through a network of Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops).
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a welfare scheme focused on early childhood care, nutrition, and development. While it contributes to nutritional security, it is a specific programmatic intervention and not one of the two foundational pillars of the general food security system (Buffer Stock and PDS).

Key Takeaway: The Indian food security system is fundamentally built upon two pillars: Buffer Stock (supply-side management) and the Public Distribution System (demand-side distribution).

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Food Security in India

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Term) | List II (Definition) A. Buffer Stock | 1. Pre-announced price paid to farmers B. Minimum Support Price | 2. Payment to producer to supplement market price C. Issue Price | 3. Price lower than market price for distribution D. Subsidy | 4. Stock of foodgrains procured by government

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): 1. It was launched in December 2000. 2. It targeted all families living below the poverty line without any specific focus. 3. The scheme provided foodgrains at prevailing market rates. Which of the following statements are correct ?

easy

Which of the following statements correctly describes the role of cooperatives in food security in India? 1. In Tamil Nadu, around 94 % of fair price shops are run by cooperatives. 2. Mother Dairy provides milk and vegetables at controlled rates in Delhi. 3. The Academy of Development Science (ADS) has facilitated a network of NGOs for setting up Grain Banks in Maharashtra.

medium

Consider the following statements about the 'Annapurna Scheme' (APS): 1. It was launched in the year 2000. 2. Its target group is indigent senior citizens. 3. Under this scheme, 10 kg of foodgrains are provided free of cost. Which of the following statements are correct ?

medium

Which of the following factors has contributed to the decline of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in recent years? 1. Diverting grains to the open market by PDS dealers. 2. Selling poor quality grains at ration shops. 3. The small difference between the price of PDS items for APL families and the open market price. 4. Irregular opening of ration shops.

medium

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Buffer Stock is one of the two main components. It refers to the stock of food grains, namely wheat and rice, procured by the government through the Food Corporation of India (FCI). This stock is maintained to distribute food in deficit areas and among the poorer strata of society, and to resolve shortages during adverse weather conditions or calamities.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the price policy/mechanism used to procure the grains for the buffer stock. While essential to the process, it is classified as an economic instrument or incentive for farmers, not as a structural component of the food security system itself in this context.
Statement 3 is Correct: Public Distribution System (PDS) is the second main component. It is the mechanism through which the food procured by the FCI is distributed to the poorer sections of society through a network of Fair Price Shops (Ration Shops).
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a welfare scheme focused on early childhood care, nutrition, and development. While it contributes to nutritional security, it is a specific programmatic intervention and not one of the two foundational pillars of the general food security system (Buffer Stock and PDS).

Key Takeaway: The Indian food security system is fundamentally built upon two pillars: Buffer Stock (supply-side management) and the Public Distribution System (demand-side distribution).