Buffer Stock Scheme
Definition of Buffer Stock Scheme
A buffer stock scheme is a government plan to stabilise prices in volatile markets.
Prices for agricultural products are often volatile because
- Supply can vary due to the weather.
- Demand is inelastic
- Supply is fixed in the short term
Buffer stock schemes aim to
- Stabilise prices
- Ensure supplies.
If there is a surplus one year, the market price would fall. This is when the government will buy the surplus stocks and store the goods. This reduces supply and keep prices higher.
If there is a shortage in the next year, the government can sell from its buffer stock to reduce prices and increase market supply
Diagram of Buffer Stock Scheme
The government buy Q2-Q1 to maintain prices at the target price.
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