Economy · 21 Jul 2026

India vegetable oil pulses import bill monsoon

Consider the following statements:

  1. India imported a record quantity of vegetable oils worth over $19 billion in 2025-26.
  2. NOAA has forecast an 81% probability of the current El Niño becoming a "very strong" event during October-December
  3. 3. Government buffer stocks of rice and wheat have fallen below minimum requirements due to the monsoon deficit.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: A Weak Monsoon Is Already Showing Up in India's Import Bill
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 21 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

A 23.8% monsoon deficit combined with a strengthening El Niño threatens to push India's already-record vegetable oil, pulses and cotton import bill even higher in 2026-27.

Why for UPSC

UPSC tests whether aspirants understand which specific crop categories are protected by buffer stocks versus exposed to rainfall shortfall, a nuanced distinction central to food security policy.

Prelims summary

India's record vegetable oil imports ($19.5 billion in 2025-26) and NOAA's 81% "very strong" El Niño forecast are correct, but rice and wheat buffer stocks remain comfortable - it is rainfed crops like pulses and oilseeds that lack this cushion.

On web, answers are shown once after a test — no save or reattempt. For unlimited reattempts, Hindi medium, and Mentor Observations, use the TAN App.