MSP, APMC & Procurement — Set 12
Indian Agriculture · MSP, APMC और खरीद · Questions 111–120 of 160
Which of the following is an eligibility criterion under PM-KISAN?
Correct Answer: C. Landholding farmer family with cultivable land
Under PM-KISAN, any landholding farmer family with cultivable land is eligible, regardless of land size. However, certain categories are excluded including former/current government employees, income tax payers above threshold, and professionals like doctors and lawyers. Institutional landholders (companies, trusts) are also excluded. The scheme requires Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for DBT.
The Interest Subvention Scheme for agricultural credit provides short-term crop loans at what effective rate?
Correct Answer: B. 4%
Under the Interest Subvention Scheme, banks provide short-term crop loans up to Rs 3 lakh at 7% per annum. The government provides a 2% interest subvention to banks, making the effective rate 7% for normal loans. For farmers who repay on time, an additional 3% prompt repayment incentive is available, reducing the effective rate to 4%. This scheme makes agricultural credit more affordable.
PM-KUSUM scheme is related to which sector?
Correct Answer: B. Solar pumps and solar power for farmers and farm land
PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) was launched in 2019 to provide energy security to farmers. It has three components: grid-connected solar power plants on barren land, standalone solar agriculture pumps, and solarization of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps. Farmers can generate additional income by selling surplus solar power to discoms. The scheme aims to reduce diesel pump usage and promote clean energy in agriculture.
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana focuses on which sector?
Correct Answer: C. Fisheries sector development
PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 to bring a Blue Revolution through sustainable development of fisheries. It has a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore for 5 years. PMMSY aims to increase fish production, modernize value chains, double fish farmers' income, and create 55 lakh additional employment. It covers marine, inland, and aquaculture sectors.
e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi is associated with which facility for farmers?
Correct Answer: B. Digital pledge financing against warehouse receipts
e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi is a digital gateway for pledge financing that enables farmers to obtain post-harvest loans against electronic warehouse receipts stored in WDRA-registered warehouses. Launched in 2023, it connects farmers, warehouses, banks, and WDRA on a single platform. This reduces post-harvest distress selling by enabling farmers to hold produce and access credit simultaneously. The system is paperless and reduces loan processing time.
Natural farming was promoted nationally through which initiative?
Correct Answer: B. Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)
Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) sub-scheme under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) promotes natural farming practices. Natural farming focuses on cow dung and cow urine based preparations (Jeevamrit, Beejamrit), minimizing synthetic inputs. It was actively promoted by Andhra Pradesh as ZBNF (Zero Budget Natural Farming) under CM Chandrababu Naidu. The national budget 2023 announced support for natural farming with focus on organic certification and market linkage.
The 'gateway drug' entry point for agricultural reforms has been described as:
Correct Answer: C. APMC reforms
APMC reforms are considered the gateway to broader agricultural market reforms because the regulated mandi system governs how agricultural prices are determined at the first point of sale. Without APMC reform, farmers remain captive to local mandis, arhatiyas, and their commission structures. E-NAM, Farm Laws, and private market creation all hinge on reforming the APMC framework. APMC reform is a prerequisite for price liberalization.
Operation Flood was related to which commodity and involved which organization?
Correct Answer: B. Milk, NDDB
Operation Flood was India's dairy development programme launched in 1970 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under Verghese Kurien. It transformed India from a milk-deficient country to the world's largest milk producer. The programme used milk cooperative networks on the Amul model. Operation Flood ran in three phases (1970-1996) and created the foundation of India's white revolution.
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) aims to:
Correct Answer: B. Develop commercial horticulture and diversify agriculture
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was launched in 2005-06 to develop commercial horticulture, increase production and productivity of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and plantation crops. NHM provides subsidies for planting material, protected cultivation, post-harvest management, and market linkage. Horticulture diversification reduces farmer dependence on MSP crops and improves income. India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally.
The Digital Agriculture Mission (2021) aims to:
Correct Answer: B. Build digital infrastructure for agriculture including AgriStack, crop surveys, and digital farmer registry
The Digital Agriculture Mission (2021) is a comprehensive initiative to build digital infrastructure for Indian agriculture. It includes AgriStack (a federated digital platform with farmer registry, land records, and crop sowing data), AI/ML based crop monitoring, weather analytics, and market intelligence. AgriStack will enable personalized advisory services, targeted scheme delivery, and precision agriculture. The mission integrates data from multiple government departments.