Question

Read the following statements: Assertion and Reason (R). Choose the correct option from those given below:
Assertion : The Government of India adopted the measure of regulation of markets to improve marketing conditions for agricultural products.
Reason (R): Regulation of market ensured transparent pricing, fair trade practices, and protection for farmers against exploitation in agricultural marketing.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Regulation of markets plays a vital role in ensuring fair pricing and preventing exploitation in the agricultural sector, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Contextualizing the policy.
In the post-independence era, farmers often suffered at the hands of private traders who manipulated weights and prices. To fix this, the government introduced "Regulated Markets" (APMCs). Thus, (A) is true.
Step 2: Analyzing the benefits.
Regulated markets involve oversight committees that ensure auctions are fair, weights are accurate, and farmers receive immediate payment. This directly eliminates the malpractices of middlemen. Thus, (R) is true.
Step 3: Determining the link.
The very reason the government decided to regulate these markets was to provide the protections mentioned in (R). Therefore, (R) is the logical "why" behind the "what" in (A).
Final Answer: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).