These outcome variables indicate how successful stockholding policies are at achieving their primary purposes (Table 4.1). In cases where buffer stock schemes only impose a floor price, the government intends to support producers by offering them a minimum price. The performance of these types of buffer stocks can be assessed by analysing farm incomes or producer prices. Buffer stocks with ceiling prices are designed to protect consumers from price hikes and their effectiveness can be evaluated by examining if consumer prices reached lower and more stable levels.