Agricultural Schemes & PM Kisan — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Promoting a unique product associated with each district for value addition and export

The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative aims to identify and promote one unique product per district that has the potential for value addition, export, and employment generation. It helps districts specialize in their traditional or unique agricultural or artisan products and build supply chains. The scheme aims to preserve traditional local arts, crafts, and agricultural products while boosting rural economic development.

Correct Answer: A. Monitoring crop health and spraying pesticides/fertilizers

PM Kisan Drone Yojana promotes the use of drone technology in agriculture for activities such as spraying of fertilizers, pesticides, and nutrients in crop fields. The scheme also promotes remote sensing of crop health and precision agriculture applications. Drones significantly reduce labor costs, improve coverage efficiency, and enable timely application of agricultural inputs.

Correct Answer: B. To build a digital ecosystem for agriculture using technologies like AI, IoT, and big data

The Digital Agriculture Mission was launched to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for agriculture that leverages technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, remote sensing, GIS, and big data. It aims to build digital infrastructure, including a digital database of farmers (AgriStack), to enable targeted delivery of services and benefits. The mission supports innovations in precision agriculture, crop monitoring, and market linkages for farmers.

Correct Answer: C. 23 crops

MSP is currently announced for 23 crops including 14 Kharif crops (paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, arhar/tur, moong, urad, groundnut, sunflower, soybean, sesame, nigerseed, cotton), 6 Rabi crops (wheat, barley, gram, lentil, rapeseed/mustard, safflower), and 2 other commercial crops (jute and copra). The government also fixes Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. CACP recommends these prices each year.

Correct Answer: A. Reducing import dependency and increasing domestic production of oilseeds and pulses

Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses (TMOP) was launched in 1986 to reduce India's dependence on imports of edible oils and pulses by increasing domestic production. The mission focused on bringing new technologies, improved varieties, and better farming practices to oilseed and pulse farmers. It helped increase production significantly through the use of hybrid varieties and better agronomic practices.

Correct Answer: B. Apex development finance institution for agriculture and rural development, providing refinance to banks

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is the apex development bank for agriculture and rural development in India. Its primary role is to provide refinance to banks (commercial banks, RRBs, cooperative banks) for agricultural and rural lending rather than directly lending to individual farmers. NABARD also plays a supervisory role over cooperative banks and RRBs and promotes rural development through various schemes and funds.

Correct Answer: B. 1.5%

Under PMFBY, the premium for Rabi crops is capped at 1.5% of the sum insured or actuarial rate, whichever is lower. For Kharif crops, the cap is 2%, and for annual commercial and horticultural crops, it is 5%. The remaining portion of the actuarial premium is shared between the central and state governments in a 50:50 ratio, or 90:10 for Northeastern states.

Correct Answer: B. Ensuring irrigation coverage to every agricultural field

'Har Khet Ko Pani' is one of the key components of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) that focuses on expanding irrigation coverage by creating new water sources and strengthening infrastructure. The goal is to bring every cultivated farm under irrigation, ending the dependence of agriculture on monsoon rains. It integrates the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) and other irrigation development schemes.

Correct Answer: B. Actual paid-out costs incurred by farmers including seeds, fertilizers, and hired labor

In the A2+FL+50% formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, A2 represents actual paid-out costs incurred by farmers, including expenses on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labor, fuel, and irrigation. FL represents the value of family labor used on the farm. The 50% margin above A2+FL is meant to ensure a reasonable profit for farmers.

Correct Answer: C. Small and marginal farmers with landholding up to 2 hectares

PM Kisan MaanDhan Yojana is specifically designed for small and marginal farmers who have landholding up to 2 hectares. The scheme recognizes the vulnerability of small and marginal farmers in old age due to lack of social security. Farmers aged 18-40 years can enroll in the scheme and make monthly contributions ranging from ₹55 to ₹200 depending on their age of entry.