Step 1: Understanding indirect production.
Indirect production refers to all the activities that are not directly involved in producing goods but are essential for making production possible and efficient.
It involves processes such as services, transportation, communication, marketing, and other supporting functions that assist the actual production process.
Step 2: Classification of production stages.
Production can be classified into three broad types:
- Primary production: Activities that extract raw materials directly from nature — like agriculture, fishing, and mining.
- Secondary production: Activities that process raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods — like manufacturing and construction.
- Tertiary production: Activities that provide services supporting both primary and secondary production — like transport, banking, and marketing.
Step 3: Indirect production involvement.
Indirect production includes all these steps because they collectively contribute to the creation, movement, and distribution of goods.
Without the combined effort of all three sectors, the overall production cycle would remain incomplete.
Step 4: Analysis of options.
- (1) Secondary: Partly true — it supports production directly.
- (2) Primary: Also part of the chain, providing essential materials.
- (3) Tertiary: Provides services essential for production flow.
- (4) All of these: Correct — indirect production includes activities from all three sectors.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, all three — primary, secondary, and tertiary — are included in indirect production.