Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. Interim Budget 2019-20

PM-KISAN was first announced in the Interim Budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal in February 2019. The scheme was introduced to address farmers' distress before the 2019 general elections. It was subsequently launched formally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24, 2019.

Correct Answer: A. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices

CACP stands for Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, which is an advisory body under the Ministry of Agriculture. It recommends MSP for 23 agricultural crops based on analysis of cost of production, domestic and global market prices, and demand-supply trends. The Commission submits seasonal Price Policy reports to the government.

Correct Answer: D. Kharif 2016

PMFBY was launched and implemented from Kharif 2016 season. It replaced the existing National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). The scheme had its first operational season in Kharif 2016, marking a significant reform in the crop insurance sector.

Correct Answer: A. Actual paid-out costs plus family labour value

A2+FL cost in MSP calculation represents paid-out costs (A2) plus the value of family labour (FL). A2 includes all actual expenses in cash and kind, such as seeds, fertilizers, hired labour, machinery, and irrigation. The Swaminathan Commission recommended MSP at C2+50%, where C2 includes A2+FL plus rental value of owned land and interest on owned capital.

Correct Answer: B. Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (Price Deficiency Payment)

Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (also called Price Deficiency Payment Scheme) was introduced in Madhya Pradesh to compensate farmers when market prices fall below MSP. Under this scheme, farmers sell at market price and receive the difference between MSP and market price as government compensation. This model avoids government procurement while ensuring price support to farmers.

Correct Answer: B. MIDH

National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was merged into Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) launched in 2014-15. MIDH integrates several schemes including NHM, Horticulture Mission for NE and Himalayan States, National Bamboo Mission, and National Horticulture Board programmes. This consolidation aims for holistic development of horticulture sector.

Correct Answer: B. ICAR

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are established and managed by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research). They function as district-level agricultural knowledge and technology demonstration centres. KVKs conduct on-farm trials and frontline demonstrations to transfer latest agricultural technologies to farmers.

Correct Answer: C. 17-18%

Agriculture and allied sectors contribute approximately 17-18% to India's GDP. Despite this, about 55-60% of India's population depends on agriculture for livelihood. The sector faces challenges of fragmented landholdings, dependence on monsoon, and low productivity that government schemes aim to address.

Correct Answer: A. Agriculture Technology Management Agency

ATMA stands for Agricultural Technology Management Agency, which is a district-level autonomous body for technology dissemination. It was created as part of agricultural extension system reforms. ATMA coordinates with KVKs, line departments, and other agencies to provide integrated technology support to farmers at the district level.

Correct Answer: B. Regional inequality with focus on Punjab-Haryana and neglect of eastern India

A major criticism of the Green Revolution was regional inequality, with the benefits concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh while eastern India with fertile Gangetic plains was neglected. This regional disparity led to subsequent government focus on bringing the Green Revolution benefits to eastern India. Government schemes like NFSM specifically target eastern states.