Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 18

Correct Answer: C. 2005

National Horticulture Mission (NHM) was launched in 2005-06 as a centrally sponsored scheme. It aimed to achieve the goal of holistic growth of horticulture sector by increasing area, production, and productivity. NHM supported protected cultivation, high density plantations, cold storage, and value chain development.

Correct Answer: C. Loanee farmers (those with crop loans)

Under PMFBY, crop insurance was made mandatory for loanee farmers (those who have taken short-term crop loans from banks). Non-loanee farmers could opt for the insurance voluntarily. However, from 2020, the scheme was made voluntary for all farmers, including loanee farmers, as part of scheme restructuring.

Correct Answer: B. Maps village land using drones to give property rights to villagers

SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) uses drone technology to map village land and create property rights records. While not directly an agricultural scheme, property cards help villagers use their property as collateral for loans including agricultural loans. This is significant as many village households lacked formal land records.

Correct Answer: B. Meeting requirements of PDS, Welfare Schemes, and market stabilization

FCI maintains buffer stocks of food grains to meet requirements of Public Distribution System, welfare schemes like ICDS and MDM, open market sales for price stabilization, and emergency/strategic reserves. Buffer stock norms are set by the government based on seasonal requirements. Regular management of buffer stocks is crucial for food security.

Correct Answer: B. Rural roads connect farms to markets reducing transportation costs

PMGSY is important for agriculture as rural roads connect farms to markets, reducing transportation costs and post-harvest losses. Better road connectivity allows farmers to access larger markets, get better prices, and use modern inputs. Rural roads also improve access to extension services, banking, and other essential services for farmers.

Correct Answer: B. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It was established in 1985 under the Ministry of Commerce. APEDA promotes export of agricultural and processed food products by providing financial assistance, quality development, and market development support to exporters.

Correct Answer: B. Fisheries development

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 for development of fisheries sector. It has an investment of ₹20,050 crore over five years. PMMSY aims to double fish production, increase fisheries exports, and create employment in the fisheries value chain.

Correct Answer: A. National Dairy Development Board

NDDB stands for National Dairy Development Board, established in 1965 at Anand, Gujarat. It was created to replicate the Amul cooperative model across India. NDDB implemented Operation Flood, the world's largest dairy development programme, transforming India into the world's largest milk producer.

Correct Answer: B. Operation Flood

Operation Flood, implemented from 1970-1996 under the leadership of Verghese Kurien through NDDB, is recognized as the world's largest dairy development programme. It created a national milk grid linking rural milk producers to urban consumers across India. Operation Flood transformed India from a milk-deficient country to the world's largest milk producer.

Correct Answer: B. Strengthening extension services and technology transfer

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) focuses on strengthening the agricultural extension system for effective technology transfer to farmers. It supports deployment of agriculture extension services through ATMAs, KVKs, and ICT-based platforms. The sub-mission promotes farmer-to-farmer learning and farmer schools as cost-effective extension methods.