MSP, APMC & Procurement — Set 2
Indian Agriculture · MSP, APMC और खरीद · Questions 11–20 of 160
What is a 'buffer stock' in the context of food grain management?
Correct Answer: A. Emergency grain reserve held by government
Buffer stock is the strategic reserve of food grains (wheat and rice) maintained by the government through FCI to ensure food security. These stocks are used to stabilize prices during shortages and meet PDS requirements. The government fixes buffer stock norms every year specifying minimum stocks to be maintained at different times. Buffer stocks help in managing price shocks and ensuring supply adequacy.
What term describes the release of food grains from government stocks into the open market to control prices?
Correct Answer: B. Open Market Sale Scheme
The Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) refers to the release of food grains from government buffer stocks into the open market at pre-determined prices. This is used to stabilize market prices when they rise above a certain level. FCI releases wheat and rice under OMSS to bulk buyers, traders, and institutions. It helps reduce inflation in food prices during shortage periods.
APMC stands for which full form?
Correct Answer: A. Agricultural Produce Market Committee
APMC stands for Agricultural Produce Market Committee. These are statutory market committees established under state APMC Acts to regulate the trading of agricultural produce. APMCs manage mandis (wholesale markets) where farmers sell their produce. They levy market fees and charges on transactions to fund infrastructure development.
Agriculture is a subject under which list in the Indian Constitution, making APMC a state subject?
Correct Answer: C. State List
Agriculture is included in the State List (List II) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This means states have the exclusive power to legislate on agricultural matters, including APMC Acts. Due to this, APMC laws vary significantly across states. The central government can only advise reforms but cannot directly change state APMC laws.
Who are 'arhatiyas' in the context of APMC mandis?
Correct Answer: B. Commissioned agents or brokers in mandis
Arhatiyas are commission agents or brokers who facilitate transactions between farmers and buyers in APMC mandis. They charge a commission (arhat) on the value of transactions. Farmers often depend on arhatiyas for credit, transport, and market access. Critics argue that the arhat system adds costs and reduces the net price received by farmers.
What is 'market fee' in APMC mandis?
Correct Answer: B. Charge levied by APMC on agricultural produce transactions
Market fee is a charge levied by the APMC on the sale and purchase of agricultural produce within its jurisdiction. It is typically a percentage of the transaction value and is paid by the buyer. Market fees fund APMC infrastructure, roads, weighing equipment, and worker facilities. High market fees in some states have been criticized for reducing competitiveness.
e-NAM was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 2016
e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) was launched in April 2016 as a pan-India electronic trading portal. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to integrate existing APMC mandis into a unified national market. e-NAM enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade online without physical presence. It aims to reduce price disparities and improve price discovery.
How many mandis were targeted to be integrated under e-NAM?
Correct Answer: C. 1000
e-NAM was initially targeted to integrate 585 mandis, later expanded to integrate 1000+ mandis across India. By 2023, over 1360 mandis in 23 states and 3 UTs were integrated with the e-NAM platform. The platform has facilitated trade worth lakhs of crores. Integration enables transparent price discovery and reduces dependency on intermediaries.
Which organization manages and operates the e-NAM portal?
Correct Answer: C. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium
The e-NAM portal is managed and operated by the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC). SFAC is a society under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It coordinates with state APMC authorities for mandi integration. The Ministry of Agriculture provides financial support for the rollout and maintenance of the platform.
The three Farm Laws passed in September 2020 were repealed in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 2021
The three Farm Laws passed in September 2020 were repealed in November 2021 during the Winter Session of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repeal on November 19, 2021, ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The laws had faced massive protests by farmers, especially from Punjab and Haryana, for about a year. The Farm Laws Repeal Act was passed unanimously in both Houses.