What is Buffer Stock? – Concept & Notes PDF

Topics Covered

Topic covered: What is Buffer Stock? and MCQs Questions: Food Security in India (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).

We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “What is Buffer Stock?“ from the NCERT Economics notes for class 9th chapter 4 Food Security in India.

Download the NCERT Economics for Class 9th Chapter 4 Food Security in India Notes PDF

Chapter 4: Food Security in India in Class 9 Economics highlights why access to food is essential for every citizen and how the government ensures it through systems like the Public Distribution System (PDS). The chapter also discusses the role of agriculture, buffer stocks, and rationing in preventing food shortages. Students often struggle to connect these policies with real-life examples, so these notes simplify the concepts in a straightforward way. Download the NCERT Economics for Class 9th Chapter 4 Food Security in India Notes PDF to quickly revise definitions, important terms, and exam-oriented points without feeling overwhelmed.

What is Buffer Stock?

1. Buffer Stock – Meaning:

Buffer Stock is the stock of foodgrains, mainly wheat and rice, procured by the government.
It is managed through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

2. Procurement of Buffer Stock:

FCI purchases wheat and rice from farmers in surplus production states.
Farmers are paid a pre-announced price for their crops.
This price is called the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

3. Minimum Support Price (MSP):

Declared by the government every year before the sowing season.
Purpose: To encourage farmers to increase production of wheat and rice.

4. Storage:

Purchased foodgrains are stored in granaries.

5. Purpose of Buffer Stock:

To distribute foodgrains in deficit areas.
To supply food to poorer sections of society at a lower price.
- This lower price is called the Issue Price.
To tackle food shortages during adverse weather conditions or calamities.

Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Economics Class 9 Chapter 4: Food Security in India

Topics No.	Topics Name
1	What is Food Security?
2	Why Food Security?
3	Who are Food-Insecure?
4	Food Security in India
5	What is Buffer Stock?
6	What is the Public Distribution System?
7	Current Status of Public the Distribution System
8	Role of Cooperatives in Food Security

MCQs on NCERT Economics Class 9 Chapter 4 Topic – What is Buffer Stock?

Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “What is Buffer Stock?” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:

Question 1. What is meant by Buffer Stock?

a) Stock of pulses procured by the government
b) Stock of foodgrains stored by farmers for personal use
c) Stock of wheat and rice procured by the government through FCI
d) Stock of fruits stored for export

Answer: c) Stock of wheat and rice procured by the government through FCI

Question 2. Which agency is responsible for procuring foodgrains under Buffer Stock?

a) NABARD
b) Reserve Bank of India
c) Food Corporation of India
d) NITI Aayog

Answer: c) Food Corporation of India

Question 3. From where does the government procure wheat and rice for Buffer Stock?

a) From deficit regions
b) From surplus producing states
c) From international markets
d) From private companies

Answer: b) From surplus producing states

Question 4. The price at which the government purchases crops from farmers for Buffer Stock is called:

a) Issue Price
b) Fair Price
c) Minimum Support Price
d) Procurement Price

Answer: c) Minimum Support Price

Question 5. Who declares the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

a) Farmers’ Cooperatives
b) Reserve Bank of India
c) Government of India
d) State Governments

Answer: c) Government of India

Question 6. When is the MSP declared?

a) After the harvesting season
b) During the monsoon season
c) Before the sowing season
d) During festivals

Answer: c) Before the sowing season

Question 7. Why does the government declare MSP before the sowing season?

a) To fix ration shop prices
b) To provide incentives to farmers for raising production
c) To control inflation
d) To help exporters

Answer: b) To provide incentives to farmers for raising production

Question 8. Where are the foodgrains purchased under Buffer Stock stored?

a) Cold storages
b) Godowns of private traders
c) Granaries
d) Banks

Answer: c) Granaries

Question 9. At what price are foodgrains distributed from Buffer Stock to poorer sections of society?

a) At MSP
b) At Market Price
c) At Issue Price
d) At Procurement Price

Answer: c) At Issue Price

Question 10. Why does the government distribute foodgrains at Issue Price?

a) To earn profits
b) To help exporters
c) To supply foodgrains to poorer strata at lower price than market rate
d) To encourage private companies

Answer: c) To supply foodgrains to poorer strata at lower price than market rate

Question 11. Buffer Stock helps in resolving which of the following problems?

a) Food shortage during adverse weather conditions
b) Decline in industrial production
c) Shortage of oil and petroleum
d) Unemployment in urban areas

Answer: a) Food shortage during adverse weather conditions

Question 12. During which situations does Buffer Stock play a vital role?

a) Periods of industrial expansion
b) Periods of calamity and adverse weather conditions
c) Periods of political instability
d) During international trade negotiations

Answer: b) Periods of calamity and adverse weather conditions

What is Buffer Stock? – Concept & Free PDF Notes