Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 9

Correct Answer: D. Central and State governments equally

Under PMFBY, after the farmer pays their share of premium (1.5% for Rabi, 2% for Kharif), the remaining actuarial premium is shared equally between the Central and State governments. This sharing arrangement makes the scheme financially viable while keeping farmer premiums low. However, some states have opted out due to fiscal burden.

Correct Answer: B. 2 years

Soil Health Cards are issued to farmers after testing their soil every two years. This periodicity allows farmers to track changes in soil health and take corrective measures. The testing covers 12 parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and major and micro-nutrients.

Correct Answer: B. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund specifically aims to create cold chain infrastructure from farm to consumer. It supports cold storages, pack houses, primary processing centers, and ripening chambers. The scheme addresses the major problem of post-harvest losses in India, which are estimated at 30-40% of total production.

Correct Answer: B. PMKSY-HKKP

PMKSY-HKKP (Har Khet Ko Pani) focuses on ground water development, groundwater management, and creation of new water sources. It includes programs like Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) for completing ongoing major and medium irrigation projects. The sub-mission aims to extend farm water coverage to uncovered areas.

Correct Answer: B. Climate-resilient agriculture

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focuses on making Indian agriculture more resilient and adaptable to climate change. It promotes climate-smart agriculture, soil health management, and efficient water use. NMSA is one of the missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Correct Answer: B. Direct transfer of fertilizer subsidy to farmers

DBT in Fertilizer Subsidy aims to transfer fertilizer subsidy directly to farmers' accounts rather than through manufacturers. The scheme is being implemented in phased manner to ensure that subsidies reach actual farmers. It aims to eliminate the diversion of subsidized fertilizers to non-agricultural uses.

Correct Answer: A. Identity verification of beneficiaries

Aadhaar seeding in PM-KISAN is done for identity verification of beneficiaries to ensure that benefits reach the right person. It is part of the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity. Aadhaar seeding helps in deduplication and removal of ineligible or ghost beneficiaries from the scheme.

Correct Answer: B. 5 years

The scheme to form 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) is to be implemented over five years from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The government allocated ₹6,865 crore for this initiative. FPOs are seen as a critical vehicle for improving farmers' income through collective bargaining and market access.

Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The scheme gives flexibility to states to plan and execute programmes for agriculture and allied sectors based on their specific needs. It supports innovative farming practices, technology adoption, and agri-infrastructure creation.

Correct Answer: A. 4% per annum for timely repayment

Kisan Credit Card loans carry an interest rate of 7% per annum, which is further reduced to 4% for farmers who repay on time due to 3% interest subvention provided by the government. Short-term crop loans up to ₹3 lakh are eligible for this subsidized interest rate. This makes agricultural credit affordable for small farmers.