Agricultural Schemes & PM Kisan — Set 7
Indian Agriculture · कृषि योजनाएं और PM किसान · Questions 61–70 of 80
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) was formed by merging which schemes?
Correct Answer: B. AIBP, IWMP, and On-Farm Water Management
PMKSY was formed in 2015 by merging three existing schemes: Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) under Ministry of Water Resources, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) under Ministry of Rural Development, and On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) under Ministry of Agriculture. The merger aimed at ensuring integrated planning and convergence of investments in water conservation and irrigation. PMKSY adopted the dual vision of 'Har Khet Ko Pani, More Crop Per Drop' to ensure both irrigation coverage and water use efficiency.
Under PM-KISAN, who is NOT eligible to receive the scheme benefits?
Correct Answer: C. Constitutional post holders and serving/retired government employees
Constitutional post holders, current and former Ministers/MPs/MLAs, government employees (serving and retired), pension holders with monthly pension above ₹10,000, professionals like doctors and engineers, and income tax payers are NOT eligible to receive PM-KISAN benefits. The scheme is designed to support economically vulnerable farming families. Tenant farmers and sharecroppers who have been included in land records are eligible in many states.
What is the Blue Revolution associated with PM Matsya Sampada Yojana aimed at doubling by 2024-25?
Correct Answer: B. Fish production to 22 million tonnes
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana aims to increase fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2024-25, up from 13.75 million tonnes in 2018-19. The scheme also targets increasing fisheries export earnings to ₹1 lakh crore and doubling incomes of fishers and fish farmers. It focuses on infrastructure development, modernization of fishing fleet, and better linkages to domestic and international markets.
The Soil Health Card (SHC) is issued to farmers once every how many years?
Correct Answer: B. Every two years
Under the Soil Health Card Scheme, farmers receive a Soil Health Card once every two years so that they can track changes in soil health over time and take corrective measures. The card provides soil-specific recommendations for fertilizer use and soil amendments. The two-year cycle balances the cost of testing with the need for regular monitoring of soil health changes.
Which component of PM-AASHA allows states to engage private players for procurement of crops at MSP?
Correct Answer: C. Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPPS)
Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPPS) is one of the three components of PM-AASHA that allows state governments to engage private players for procurement operations of crops at MSP on a pilot basis. Under PPPS, the selected private agency procures the crops at MSP on behalf of the state government. The scheme was introduced to address the limitations of government procurement machinery and increase MSP procurement coverage.
PM-KUSUM scheme aims to provide how many standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps?
Correct Answer: C. 20 lakh pumps
PM-KUSUM aims to provide 20 lakh standalone solar-powered agriculture pumps to farmers under Component B of the scheme. These solar pumps replace diesel pumps, reducing farmers' fuel costs and carbon emissions from agriculture. The scheme also has provisions for solarizing existing grid-connected agriculture pumps and for farmers to set up solar power plants on their barren or uncultivated land.
NABARD's RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) was established in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1995-96
RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) was established within NABARD in 1995-96 following the Union Budget announcement to provide funds to state governments for rural infrastructure development. The fund was set up with an initial corpus of ₹2,000 crore and has grown significantly over the years. Banks that fail to meet priority sector lending targets are required to deposit funds with NABARD under RIDF.
How many FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) target is set under the government's '10,000 FPOs' initiative?
Correct Answer: C. 10,000
The government has set a target of forming 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by 2027-28 with a total budgetary outlay of ₹6,865 crore. FPOs help small and marginal farmers leverage collective bargaining power, access better inputs at lower costs, and find better markets for their produce. The scheme is implemented through NABARD, SFAC, and other implementing agencies.
NFSM (National Food Security Mission) was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2007-08
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in 2007-08 during the 11th Five-Year Plan to increase production of rice, wheat, and pulses by restoring soil fertility and productivity, enhancing farm-level economy, and generating employment. The mission was later expanded to include coarse cereals. NFSM focuses on technology demonstration, capacity building, and distribution of improved seeds and inputs.
What is the interest subvention provided under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)?
Correct Answer: C. 3% per annum
Under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), an interest subvention of 3% per annum is provided on loans for a maximum period of 7 years. This makes borrowing more affordable for farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, and agri-entrepreneurs who want to invest in post-harvest management infrastructure. Credit guarantee coverage is also provided under CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises) for eligible projects.