Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 15

Correct Answer: A. Department of Agricultural Research and Education

DARE stands for Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Ministry of Agriculture. DARE has administrative control over ICAR and coordinates agricultural research and education. The Secretary of DARE also serves as the Director General of ICAR, creating unified leadership for agricultural research.

Correct Answer: B. Rural roads under PMGSY

NRIDA (National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency) oversees implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural road connectivity. Rural roads are critical for agricultural development as they connect farms to markets and reduce transportation costs. Better connectivity helps farmers access larger markets and get better prices.

Correct Answer: B. 2%

The government provides 2% interest subvention for short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest rate. This reduces the effective interest rate to 5% for all farmers. Additionally, prompt repayment incentive of 3% is provided, reducing the rate further to 4% for farmers who repay within the prescribed time.

Correct Answer: B. Formalizing and upgrading micro food processing enterprises

PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME) scheme focuses on formalizing and upgrading micro food processing enterprises in the unorganized sector. It provides financial, technical, and business support to existing micro enterprises. The scheme promotes FPO-based common infrastructure and branding for collective benefits.

Correct Answer: B. ATMA

ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) integrates all agricultural extension services at the district level. It brings together research (KVK), extension (line departments), and farmer organizations in a single coordination platform. ATMA was created to ensure that latest agricultural technologies reach farmers efficiently through a unified extension system.

Correct Answer: C. Third installment

Under PM-KISAN, the third installment covers the December to March period. The first installment covers April to July, and the second covers August to November. These three four-monthly installments together make up the annual ₹6,000 benefit to eligible farmer families.

Correct Answer: B. Pulses, fish, meat, and milk

National Mission for Protein Supplements (NMPS) aims to increase production of protein-rich foods including pulses, fish, meat, eggs, and milk. Protein deficiency is a significant nutritional challenge in India. The mission supports development of aquaculture, poultry, small ruminants, and pulse production.

Correct Answer: C. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh (including present-day Telangana) is known as the 'Rice Bowl of India' due to its high production of rice in Krishna-Godavari delta. Punjab and Haryana are known as 'Granary of India' for wheat production. West Bengal is the largest producer of rice by volume in India.

Correct Answer: B. Assaying (quality testing) is done at mandi before online bidding

Under eNAM, assaying or quality testing of agricultural produce is done at the mandi before online bidding starts. The quality parameters are uploaded on the platform so that buyers can make informed bids. This transparent quality disclosure system is key to the success of the online trading platform.

Correct Answer: B. Development of marketing infrastructure and promotion of direct marketing

Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) aims to develop marketing infrastructure, promote grading and standardization, and support direct marketing. It includes assistance for construction of rural primary markets, wholesale markets, and farmers' markets. The scheme promotes farmer-consumer linkage to reduce intermediary margins.