Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. 2019

Initially PM-KISAN was announced for small and marginal farmers in the interim budget of February 2019. It was later expanded to cover all land-owning farmer families regardless of the size of their land holding. The expansion was effective from June 1, 2019 after the government received a fresh mandate.

Correct Answer: B. National Food Security Mission

NFSM stands for National Food Security Mission, which was launched in 2007-08. The mission aims to increase production of rice, wheat, and pulses by area expansion and productivity enhancement. NFSM is implemented in select districts of major producing states through a centrally sponsored scheme.

Correct Answer: D. 100%

PM-KISAN is a 100% Centrally funded scheme, meaning the entire financial burden is borne by the Central Government. This is unlike many other centrally sponsored schemes where states also share costs. The complete Central funding ensures uniform implementation across all states including poorer ones.

Correct Answer: C. NABARD

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) conceived and designed the Kisan Credit Card scheme in 1998. The scheme was introduced based on RBI-NABARD recommendations to provide hassle-free credit to farmers. It was implemented through a model scheme circulated by NABARD to all banks.

Correct Answer: B. Improving water use efficiency

The 'More Crop Per Drop' component of PMKSY focuses on improving water use efficiency in agriculture. It promotes adoption of micro-irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler irrigation. The goal is to achieve more agricultural output from the same or less amount of water input.

Correct Answer: D. All of the above

The correct answer is 'All of the above'. PMFBY replaced both the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) in 2016. It also subsumed the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS). PMFBY was launched to provide a single comprehensive crop insurance scheme with uniform low premiums.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which is the apex body for coordinating agricultural education and research in India. It was established in 1929 and is headquartered in New Delhi. ICAR has about 100 institutes and 71 Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.

Correct Answer: A. LIC of India

PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India as the Fund Manager. The contributions from farmers and matching government contributions are managed through the LIC Pension Fund. Upon attaining 60 years of age, the farmer receives the monthly pension from LIC.

Correct Answer: B. Viable agri-infrastructure projects with government subsidy

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund supports viable post-harvest management and agri-infrastructure projects with interest subvention of 3% per annum. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), FPOs, agri-entrepreneurs, startups, and even individuals are eligible. The fund aims to build a robust post-harvest infrastructure ecosystem across the country.

Correct Answer: B. Ensure irrigation water reaches every agricultural field

The objective of 'Har Khet Ko Pani' under PMKSY is to ensure that irrigation water reaches every agricultural field in India. It aims to bring more area under assured irrigation. The component includes creation of new water sources, repair and restoration of old water bodies, and groundwater development.