The Case:
Agriculture is the backbone of a number of economies, like Pakistan,
India, China and others. The expansion of fertilizer’s production,
mechanization and pesticides is considered as a significant factor to
enhance the growth of agricultural sector in these countries. Here we
will take the case of Pakistan.
Pakistan is a major exporter of rice and cotton.
Suppose Pakistan is expecting bumper rice, cotton and sugarcane crops
this year. By far, this situation will fluctuate price, demand and
supply of these commodities in domestic and international market.
Hypothetical data of quantity supplied (Qs) and quantity demanded (Qd)
of rice in domestic market and international market for two years is
given
below.
2010 2011
Price Qd Qs Price Qd Qs
(per kg) (per kg) (per kg) (per kg) (per kg) (per kg)
Domestic market 20 1880 1780 15 1910 1710
International market 21 4000 3450 17 4050 7100
In the international market, the demand for rice is increasing day by
day because of two main reasons, firstly population of the world is
growing with 1.7% per year; secondly it is used as biofuel. The demand
and supply equations of rice in domestic market are Qd = 2000- 6P and Qs = 1500 + 14P respectively. With the help of above data, solve questions given below.
Requirements:
a) Find the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity of rice in domestic market.
b) How much quantity demanded of rice will be affected as a result
of decrease in price of rice from Rs.20 to Rs.15 per kg in the
domestic market? (Give your answer after calculating price elasticity
of demand)
c) How much quantity supplied of rice will be affected as a result
of decrease in price of rice from Rs.20 to Rs.15 per kg in the
domestic market? (Give your answer after calculating price elasticity
of supply)
d) If rice is not used in biofuel, how would this situation affect
the price and quantity sold of rice in domestic market? Indicate
graphically.
(Marks = 5+5+5+5)
Solution: Coming Soon
