MSP, APMC & Procurement — Set 11
Indian Agriculture · MSP, APMC और खरीद · Questions 101–110 of 160
India's total number of regulated markets (mandis) is approximately:
Correct Answer: C. 7000
India has approximately 7000 regulated wholesale markets (mandis) under the APMC system, along with about 22,000 smaller periodic/rural markets (GrAMs). The number varies slightly based on definition and ongoing reforms. These mandis handle billions of rupees worth of agricultural trade annually. e-NAM has integrated over 1360 of these mandis for online trading.
The 'arhat' in APMC mandis refers to:
Correct Answer: A. Commission charged by the broker/arhatiyas
Arhat refers to the commission charged by arhatiyas (commission agents/brokers) for facilitating transactions between farmers and buyers in mandis. Arhat rates vary by state and commodity, typically ranging from 2-6% of transaction value. High arhat charges reduce the net price received by farmers. Reforms have sought to reduce or eliminate arhat to improve farmer income.
The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was merged into which scheme?
Correct Answer: B. PMKSY
AIBP (Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme) was launched in 1996-97 to fast-track completion of major, medium, and minor irrigation projects. In 2015-16, AIBP was merged into the broader PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana) under the 'Har Khet Ko Pani' component. This ensured coordinated completion of pending irrigation projects with funding under PMKSY. PMKSY has a dedicated AIBP sub-component.
What is the significance of the 'thumb impression' or Aadhaar linkage in MSP procurement?
Correct Answer: B. Ensures genuine farmer identity verification during MSP procurement and direct payment
Aadhaar linkage in MSP procurement ensures that payment is made directly to the genuine farmer's bank account, eliminating intermediary leakages. In states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, biometric authentication is used during MSP procurement. This also helps build digital databases of farmers for targeted scheme delivery. Aadhaar-linked DBT has significantly reduced ghost beneficiaries.
Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is available to which type of borrowers?
Correct Answer: B. FPOs, PACS, cooperatives, SHGs, agri-entrepreneurs, and state agencies
AIF is available to a wide range of borrowers including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), agri-entrepreneurs, startups, and state government agencies. Loans under AIF carry 3% interest subvention and CGTMSE credit guarantee cover. The scheme encourages post-harvest infrastructure creation across value chains.
What was the key demand of farmer protests (2020-21) regarding MSP?
Correct Answer: B. Legal guarantee of MSP for all crops
The primary demand during the 2020-21 farmer protests (especially from Punjab and Haryana) was a legal guarantee of MSP — meaning all buyers (private or government) should be legally bound to pay at least MSP to farmers. Currently, only government agencies procure at MSP; private traders can pay below MSP. After the Farm Law repeal, the government formed a committee to study MSP legalization but no legislation has been passed. This remains a key unresolved farm policy issue.
The Doubling Farmers' Income (DFI) target was set for which year?
Correct Answer: B. 2022
Prime Minister Modi announced the target to double farmers' income (DFI) by 2022 in a 2016 speech. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Doubling Farmers' Income, chaired by Ashok Dalwai, submitted its report in 2018 identifying seven sources of income growth. Despite significant policy efforts, the DFI target was not fully achieved by 2022. Agricultural income growth depends on productivity, MSP, markets, and diversification.
SFAC (Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium) was established under which ministry?
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
SFAC (Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium) was established in 1994 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is a society that promotes agri-business, FPO development, and operates e-NAM. SFAC provides equity grant and credit guarantee to FPOs and supports agri-business development. Its Venture Capital Assistance scheme supports agri-entrepreneur projects.
PM-KISAN full form is:
Correct Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
PM-KISAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. It was launched in February 2019 to provide income support to all landholding farmer families. The scheme provides Rs 6000 per year in three equal installments of Rs 2000 each. Over 11 crore farmers have been registered under PM-KISAN, making it one of the world's largest direct benefit transfer programs.
PM-KISAN provides how much annual income support to farmers?
Correct Answer: C. Rs 6000
PM-KISAN provides Rs 6000 per year as income support to all eligible farmer families. The amount is transferred in three installments of Rs 2000 every four months directly to the farmer's bank account. The scheme started in February 2019 initially for small and marginal farmers and was later extended to all farmer families. It is India's largest direct farmer income support scheme.