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Agriculture & Food Security — UPSC Prelims Economy previous year questions — page 4

137 solved previous year questions on Agriculture & Food Security, papers from 1998 to 2021, drawn from State PCS, UKPSC, UPPCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #121Practice set
   Agriculture infrastructure Fund (AIF) aims to provide all-around financial support to the Consider the following statements to AIF: 1. It is a Central Sector Scheme. 2. Its aim is to provide a medium-long term debt financing facility for the farming sector. 3. Only individual farmers are the intended beneficiaries of this scheme.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option bis the correct 1 is correct: Agriculture infrastructure is a pan India Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020. The duration of the Scheme shall be from 2 is correct: Agriculture infrastructure aims to provide a medium - long term debt for investment in viable projects. The projects post-harvest management Infrastructure and assets through interest subvention and 3 is incorrect: Intended beneficiaries scheme include Primary Agricultural Credit Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer (FPOs), Self Help Group (SHG), Cooperative Societies, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and agency or Local Body sponsored PPP Project

2. #122Practice set
   With reference to the Policy Framework for Genetically Modified (GM) Crops, consider the following statements: 1. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the highest authority in India that authorises the release of GM crops for commercial use. H AGRICU 2. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is empowered to regulate food from genetically modified (GM) crops. 3. The GM food imports in India require approvals under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct l is incorrect: The Genetic Committee (GEAC) is the apex body in India the approval of the commercial release of but the final call for realise for commercial use crops is taken by Union 2 is correct: Food Safety and Standards Act, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of to regulate genetically modified (GM) foods. exempted food stuffs, ingredients in additives including processing aids derived from Organisms where the end product is not a 3 is incorrect: The import of genetically in India requires approvals under the Act of 1986 and the Food Safety and of 2006 (and not Biological Diversity Act 2002). former analyses how the food products impacts the latter evaluates how the food affects of the people. Important Tips The "Rules for the Manufacture/Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989" (common

3. #123Practice set
   Consider the following statements with reference to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in India: 1. MSP rates in India are fixed by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). 2. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) takes into account the effect of MSP on the cost of living while calculating their prices. 3. Inter-crop price parity is also considered while determining MSPs 4. The government is mandated to provide MSP under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA), 1955How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Support Price (MSP) is a form of by the Government of India to producers against any sharp fall in farm l is incorrect: The minimum support prices by the Government of India at the the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of of the Commission for Agricultural Prices (CACP). MSP price is fixed by Government to protect the producer - farmers - against in price during bumper production 2 and 3 are correct: In formulating in respect of the level of prices and other non-price measures, the into account, apart from a comprehensive view of structure of the economy of a particular commodity of commodities, the following Cost of production Changes in input prices Input-output price parity Trends in market prices Demand and supply Inter-crop price parity Effect on industrial cost structure Effect on cost of living Effect on general price level International price si

4. #124Practice set
   With reference the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), consider the following statements: 1. It is a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY). 2. Under the mission, Farmer Field Schools (FPS) helps to create awareness about the natural farming. 3. The NMNF provides financial assistance to farmers for adopting natural farming.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct l is incorrect: To motivate farmers to free farming and enhance the reach of the Government has formulated National Natural Farming (NMNF) as a separate and from 2023-24 by up scaling the Bhartiya Paddati (BPKP). The scheme is for a duration 2 is correct: First year of the natural will be devoted to the awareness creation Field School 3 is correct: The National Mission on (NMNF) provides several incentives to farmers natural farming practices. These include a of Rs. 15,000 per hectare for one-time production infrastructure, training of farmers farmer and CRP through six one-day for a batch of 50 farmers at a cost of Rs. 30,000 etc. Important Tips Natural Prakratik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) is a chemical-free farming system based on locally available resources and traditional practices. It promotes the use of on-farm resources for nutrient and soil fertility managemen

5. #125Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme:I. e-NAM is a flagship initiative of the NITI Aayog to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. 2. It aims to provide quality testing infrastructure in every market to enable informed bidding by buyers. 3. Under e- NAM, a single license is issued by the State governments for traders which is valid across all markets in a state.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone A.GRI
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct l is incorrect: National Agriculture is a pan-India electronic trading portal the existing APMC mandis to create a market for agricultural commodities. Small Consortium (SFAC) is the lead implementing under the aegis of Ministry and Farmers' Welfare, Government of 2 is correct: One of the objectives of -Harmonisation of quality standards of and provision for assaying (quality in every market to enable informed buyers. Common tradable parameters have so far for 69 3 is correct: NAM includes- Liberal licensing of traders / buyers and agents by State authorities without any pre-condiliuu uf physical presence or possession of shop /premises in the market yard. Single license issued hy governments for traders valid is across all markets in the State

6. #126Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding fair and remunerative price (FRP): 1. It is the price declared by the government and paid by mill owners to farmers for the sugarcane procured from them. 2. The FRP is directly proportional to the sugar recovery ratio. 3. The payment of FRP across the country is governed by Essential Commodities Act, 1955.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct l is correct: Fair and remunerative price (FRP) price declared by the government, which mills are to pay to farmers for the cane procured from 2 is correct: The FRP is based on the sugar from the cane. Sugar recovery is the sugar produced versus cane crushed, a percentage. The higher the recovery, the higher is and higher is the sugar produced. The FRP is to the sugar recovery 3 is correct: The payment of FRP across is governed by The Sugarcane Control order, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. have the option of signing an agreement with farmers, allow them to pay the FRP in in payment can attract an interest up to 15 per annum, and the sugar commissioner can recover as dues in revenue recovery by attaching properties mills. Assured payment is one of the major reasons is a popular crop with farmers

7. #127Practice set
   Which of the following loans provided by the banks can be considered as part of Priority sector lending? 1. Loans provided under Kisan Credit Card scheme. 2. Loans to small and marginal farmers for purchase of land for agricultural purposes. 3. Loans to farmers for installation of standalone Solar Agriculture Pumps 4. Loans to distressed farmers indebted to non-institutional lenders.Select the correct answer using the code given below
   • A2 and 4 only
   • B1, 3, and 4 only
   • C1 and 3 only
   • D1, 2, 3, and 4
   Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
   Explanation

   Option dis the correct the farm credit, the lending by banks which Priority sector lending are as follows: Loans to farmers under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme. Hence Option 1 is correct. Crop loans to farmers, which will include traditional/ non-traditional plantations and horticulture, and loans for allied activities. Loans to small and marginal farmers for purchase of land for agricultural purposes. Hence Option 2 is correct. Medium and long-term loans to farmers for agriculture and allied activities. Loans to farmers for pre and post-harvest activities, viz., spraying, weeding, harvesting, sorting, grading and transporting of their own farm produce Loans to farmers for installation of stand-alone Solar Agriculture Pumps and for solarisation of grid connected Agriculture Pumps. Hence Option 3 is correct. Loans to distressed farmers indebted to non institutional lenders. Hence Option 4

8. #128Practice set
   Agriculture Census forms part of a broader system of collection of Agricultural Statistics in India. Consider the following statements with reference to the Agriculture Census in India: 1. Agricultural Census in India is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). 2. They are based on the broad guidelines of the World Census of Agriculture. 3. The agriculture census is conducted every ten years along with the population census.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct l is incorrect: The Department of Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture Government of India conducts Agriculture collaboration with the States and Union 2 is correct and statement 3 is Census in India is conducted at an five years following broad guidelines of Census of Agriculture (WCA) evolved by Food Organization (FAO) of the United Nations..AGRI Important Tips Recognizing the importance of agriculture sector in the economy, the Department of Agriculture Farmers Welfare has been implementing the Agriculture Census Scheme since 1970- 71. So far, ten Agriculture Censuses have been conducted in the country since 1970-71 and the current Agriculture Census with reference year 2021-22 is eleventh in the series. The Eleventh Agriculture Census (2021-22) was launched by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 28th July 2022 in New Delhi

9. #129Full-length test
   With reference to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, consider the following statements: 1. It entered into force in 2019. 2. It aims to establish a global system to provide farmers and scientists with access to plant genetic materials. 3. It calls for protecting the traditional knowledge of farmers. 4. India has not signed this treaty yet.How many of the above given statements are correct? { }
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • COnly three
   • DAll four
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: International Treaty on Resources for Food and Agriculture is also known International SEED Treaty. It was adopted by the Session of the Conference of the Food and of the United Nations in 2001. It entered in 2 is correct: The Treaty aims at

10. #130Full-length test
    Which one of the following statements is correct regarding 'Glyphosate'?
    • AIt is a fertilizing component which reduces soil nutrients and moisture in certain soil types
    • BIt is an insecticide that is classified as carcinogenic for humans and cattle
    • CIt is a non-selective herbicide that can kill a wide range of plants and crops
    • DIt is a type of chemical compost that causes loss of indigenous crop varieties
    Answer: (C) It is a non-selective herbicide that can kill a wide range of plants and crops
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare the use of glyphosate, a widely used health hazards for humans and animals. The mandates that all certificates of registration chemical that companies have to get for its sale have now to be returned to the registration is a non-selective herbicide widely used to control the growth of weeds and It works by inhibiting the activity of an for plant growth, causing the plants to However, Glyphosate can also kill desirable plants used carefully and selectively

11. #131Full-length test
    Which of the following is incorrect regarding the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC)?
    • AIt is one of the central procurement agencies for the purpose. of procuring Onions and Pulses
    • Bis an implementation agency of an an online trading platform for agricultural commodities
    • CIt is governed by the Board of management which is chaired by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare { }
    • DIt is registered under Multi-State Co- operative Societies Act (MSCS) of 2002
    Answer: (D) It is registered under Multi-State Co- operative Societies Act (MSCS) of 2002
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium an Autonomous Society promoted by the Ministry Cooperation and Farmers' Welfare, a is correct: It is true that SFAC is one of procurement agencies by the Government of price stabilisation of onion and pulses under Fund. The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF} up in 2014-15 under the Ministry of Agriculture but the fund was transferred to the Minister of The Price stabilisation fund was created to the price volatility of important like onion, potatoes and b is correct: National Agricultural was launched in 2016 as a pan-India portal, which networks existing Marketing Committee (APMC) mandis to unified national market for agricultural Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium an implementing agency for e-NAM to facilitate trade and offer price discovery to c is correct: It is true that the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is an of t

12. #132Full-length test
    In the context of All India Kisan Sabha, which of the following statements is correct?
    • AOne of its objectives was abolition of zamindari system
    • BSwami Sahajanand Saraswati was the first secretary of the Sabha
    • CBy early the Indian National Congress took control of the All-India Kisan Sabha
    • DIt actively participated and provided leadership during Quit India Movement
    Answer: (A) One of its objectives was abolition of zamindari system
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct a is correct. All India Kisan Sabha aimed at of agricultural and rural labourers of agriculture. The objectives of the Sabha were to abolish the Zamindari system, revenue and to institutionalize b is incorrect. All India Kisan Sabha is also '.Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha.'Swami Sahajanand the head of the Sabha. The first secretary of was NG c is incorrect. By May 1942, the Communist Party ( CPI) had taken control of the All India Kisan Sabha Indian states, including d is incorrect. The All India Kisan Sabha by the INC and this is why, when in 1942, gave a call for the Quit India Movement, the such as Swami Sahajanand Saraswati appealed to not to support Gandhi or the Sabha took the Communist Party's People's War avoided the Quit India Movement, which began 1942, despite the fact that it would lose its

13. #133Full-length test
    With reference to 'Market Intervention Scheme', consider the following statements: 1. Under the scheme, the State Government procures notified crops from farmers in the event of a fall in market price of such crops below its cost of production. 2. Crops such as paddy and wheat are covered under this scheme.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (A) 1 only
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is implemented Department of Agriculture Cooperation, Ministry Farmers' Welfare; Govt. of India. The MIS is to provide remunerative 'prices to the farmers of excess production and a fall in prices of India fffiplehlents MIS on of state shared on basis between cbncerned state government. Statement correct: The Market Intervention aims to protect farmers from making distress sale event of bumper crops i.e., supply exceeds demand. Thus, under the MIS, the State notified crops in the event of fall in niarket price crops below its cost of production. It must be that unlike Minimum Support Price, MIS play only when the market price falls below cost 2 is incorrect: The Market Intervention is an ad-hoc scheme and MIS includes and other perishable agricultural are not covered under the minimum price Thus, crops such as Paddy and Wheat are u

14. #134Full-length test
    During the twentieth century, the British Government appointed the 'Woodhead Commission' for which of the following purposes?
    • ATo investigate the cause of Bengal famines
    • BTo investigate the relevance of the Zamindari System in Bengal province
    • CTo prepare a comprehensive scheme of education for India
    • DTo prepare a comprehensive irrigation plan for India
    Answer: (D) To prepare a comprehensive irrigation plan for India
    Explanation

    Option d is the c.orrect the statements are nationalization in India in pre-liberalization is before 1991 LPG reforms, occurred in two 1947-1967, the Indian banks facilitated through retail deposits. During these times, sector got concentrated in a few business families and credit flow to agriculture was neglected. Third generation ( 1967-1991) reforms, the successful in breaking the nexus between industry through the nationalisation of 20 major private two phases I.e., in,1969 and in nationalisation resulted in the shift from to 'mass banking' and had a positive impact expansion of branch network across (rural) mobilisation of public deposits and flow to agriculture and allied the banking industry experienced a decline quality, financial soundness, and efficiency during as a result of relaxation in credit standards to priority sector targets. Important Tips A Brief History of Nationaliz

15. #135Full-length test
    Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC)?
    • AAll the APMCs are regulated and managed by a law enacted by the Parliament
    • BIt aims to ensure fair prices and timely payments to the farmers for their produce
    • CThey have been kept out of the scope of the e-National Agriculture Market
    • DIt procures notified agricultural food crops at minimum support prices
    Answer: (B) It aims to ensure fair prices and timely payments to the farmers for their produce
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct a is incorrect: APMCs are regulated and the Agricultural Produce Market Act (APMC by the respective state governments. Market Committee (APMC) is a system the State Government since agricultural marketing State b is correct: The introduction of APMC limit the occurrence of Distress Sale by the farmers { the pressure and exploitation of creditors and ensures. worthy prices to the farmers for their is incorrect: APMCs have not been kept out scope of National Agriculture Market a pan-India electronic trading portal which APMC mandis to create a unified national agricultural dis incorrect: APMC does not procure at MSP (Minimum Support Price)

16. #136Full-length test
    With reference to the colonial rule in India, which of the following funds were included under home charges? 1. Funds that were used to pay interest on money spent on railways and irrigation works in India. 2. Funds that were used for waging wars outside India by the British. 3. Funds that were used to pay pensions of British personnel engaged in India. 4. Funds that were used to support the India Office in London.Select the correct answer using the codes given below
    • A1, 2 and 3 only
    • B2, 3 and 4 only
    • C1, 3 and 4 only
    • D1, 2, 3 and 4
    Answer: (C) 1, 3 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct economic drain is illustrated with reference to what 'Home referred to in England by Secretary of State on behalf { India. In. other words, home charges mean money spent by Britain in Britain on behalf of India. Home charges included: Dividends on East India Stock Interest in home debt. As home charges were used to pay interest on money expended in India on railways and irrigation works and for other purposes of the Government. Hence statement 1 is correct. The salaries of the officer Establishments of the building connected with the Home Department of Indian Government. Hence statement 4 is correct. Furlough and retired pay to "members of the Indian Military and Civil Services when at Home. Hence statement 3 is correct. Charges of all descriptions paid in this country connected with the British troops serving in India and portion of the cost of transporting the B

17. #137Full-length test
    Which of the following are the advantages of adoption of micro irrigation in agriculture? 1. Lower consumption of fertilizers 2. Weed and disease reduction 3. Low maintenance requirements 4. Increases energy efficiencySelect the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 4 only
    • C1 and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 4 only
    Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 4 only
    Explanation

    Option d.is the correct irrigation is a modern method of irrigation; by water is irrigated through drippers, and by other emitters on surface or subsurface of components of a micro irrigation system are - pumping devices (motor and pump), ball equipments, filters, control valves, PVC (Main and sub main) and 1 is correct. Micro irrigation requires of fertilizers. An efficient drip reduces consumption of fertilizer through 2 is correct. Micro irrigation helps in weed reduction. It helps in inhibiting growth of weeds keeps limited wet areas. Under this condition the disease is also 3 is incorrect. Micro-irrigation systems greater maintenance Soil or mineral precipitates can clog the emission devices { also requires high initial 4 is correct. Energy efficient: The reduction in in micro-irrigation also reduces the (electricity) that is required to lift water from

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