Q79 · UPSC Prelims 2019 · Set A · Economy

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The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and

A transportation cost only
B interest cost only
C procurement incidentals and distribution cost
D procurement incidentals and charges for godowns

Correct answer: (c) procurement incidentals and distribution cost

Explanation

  1. A

    transportation cost only

    (a) Transportation cost only. Economic cost of FCI grain is wider than freight. Not the key.

  2. B

    interest cost only

    (b) Interest cost only. Interest is one incidental, not the whole add-on to MSP. Not the key.

  3. C

    procurement incidentals and distribution cost

    (c) Procurement incidentals and distribution cost. Economic cost = MSP (or procurement price) plus procurement incidentals plus distribution cost. That is the official key.

  4. D

    procurement incidentals and charges for godowns

    (d) Procurement incidentals and charges for godowns. Godown/storage is only a slice of distribution cost, so the option is incomplete. Not the key.

Summary. Official key is (c). FCI’s economic cost is the sum of acquisition cost (MSP plus procurement incidentals) and distribution cost (freight, handling, storage, interest, transit loss). Transport or interest alone, or incidentals plus godown charges only, understate it. Honour (c).

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2020 · Q70 · General Studies · 2 marks

    With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: 1. 'Commercial Paper' is a short-term unsecured promissory note. 2. 'Certificate of Deposit' is a long-term instrument issued by the Reserve Bank of India to a corporation
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