General Studies 2024 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Elucidate

Q14

Elucidate the importance of buffer stocks for stabilizing agricultural prices in India. What are the challenges associated with the storage of buffer stock? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में कृषि कीमतों के स्थिरीकरण के लिए सुरक्षित भंडार (बफर स्टॉक) के महत्व को स्पष्ट कीजिए। बफर स्टॉक के भंडारण से जुड़ी चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2024 General Studies questions

Directive word: Elucidate

This question asks you to elucidate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'elucidate' requires clear, illuminating explanation with logical exposition. Structure as: brief introduction defining buffer stocks → elaborated importance for price stabilization (MSP support, food security, inflation control) → challenges in storage (FCI capacity, quality loss, cost burden) → way forward/conclusion.

Key points expected

Economic rationale: buffer stocks prevent price collapse during surplus (MSP procurement) and price spike during deficit (PDS release)
FCI's role in procurement and distribution; linkage with NFSA and welfare schemes
Storage challenges: capacity constraints (covered vs. open storage), grain deterioration, high carrying costs (economic cost vs. issue price)
Logistical issues: regional imbalances, transport inefficiencies, pest and moisture management
Reform measures: private sector participation, decentralized procurement, silo modernization, warehouse receipt system
Analytical conclusion: need for dynamic buffer stock policy vs. current static approach

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Demonstrates nuanced grasp of 'elucidate' by illuminating causal mechanisms—how buffer stocks transmit price signals, with clear distinction between stabilization functions (producer vs. consumer welfare)	Defines buffer stocks adequately but treats importance and challenges as separate lists without showing interlinkages	Misinterprets directive as mere description; confuses buffer stocks with strategic reserves or provides generic food security narrative
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Accurately cites buffer stock norms (4.6 MT wheat, 13.8 MT rice operational + strategic); explains economic cost components; identifies Shanta Kumar Committee recommendations	Mentions FCI and MSP correctly but vague on quantitative aspects; conflates buffer stock with total foodgrain stock	Factual errors on procurement agencies, confuses buffer stock with PDS stocks, or omits price stabilization mechanism entirely
Structure & flow	20%	3	Seamless progression from price stabilization logic to storage constraints, with each challenge logically emerging from the operational requirements of maintaining buffer stocks	Clear paragraphs but mechanical separation; 'importance' and 'challenges' treated as disconnected sections	Disorganized; jumps between points without thematic coherence; no clear demarcation between answer components
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Deploys specific data: current buffer stock levels vs. norms, FCI economic cost (~₹40/kg wheat vs. ₹2/kg issue price), post-harvest loss estimates (4-6%); cites Operation Greens or pulses buffer stock experiment	General reference to 'high carrying costs' or 'storage losses' without quantification; mentions FCI godowns without specifics	No data or examples; or irrelevant examples (Green Revolution, PM-KISAN) not tied to buffer stock mechanism
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Critically evaluates trade-off between food security commitment and fiscal efficiency; suggests shift to targeted buffer stock or cash transfer alternative; references NITI Aayog's proposed dynamic stocking norms	Standard concluding paragraph summarizing points with generic 'need for reform' without specificity	Absent or abrupt conclusion; mere repetition of points; no analytical synthesis or forward-looking perspective

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →