Agriculture & Farmer Schemes — Set 17

Correct Answer: B. Register themselves for PM-KISAN benefits online

PM-KISAN Self-Registered Portal (pmkisan.gov.in) allows farmers to register themselves for PM-KISAN benefits online. Farmers can also check their payment status, update their details, and correct errors through this portal. The digitization of registration process has improved the efficiency and transparency of the scheme.

Correct Answer: D. As much as possible through convergence

PMKSY aims to expand irrigation coverage 'as much as possible' through convergence of all irrigation-related schemes rather than setting a fixed target number. The focus is on ensuring that the irrigation schemes are completed efficiently and water reaches every field. India has significant irrigation potential that remains to be harnessed.

Correct Answer: D. Macro Management Mode of Agriculture

Macro Management Mode of Agriculture was the predecessor of RKVY. It was replaced by RKVY in 2007 to give states more flexibility and autonomy in planning their agricultural development. RKVY introduced the concept of Agriculture Development Plans by states as a condition for accessing central funds.

Correct Answer: B. Money is recovered with penalty

If an ineligible person has received PM-KISAN benefits, the money is recovered from them along with applicable interest. States conduct verification drives to weed out ineligible beneficiaries. Large-scale exclusion exercises have removed crores of ineligible beneficiaries including government employees, income tax payers, and institutional land holders.

Correct Answer: B. Online electronic payment

eNAM facilitates online electronic payment to farmers directly through the platform. After winning bid, buyer makes payment through the eNAM system and the amount is electronically credited to the farmer's bank account. This reduces payment delays and eliminates the need for cash transactions at the mandi.

Correct Answer: B. Completing long-pending major and medium irrigation projects

Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) component of PMKSY focuses on completing long-pending major and medium irrigation projects. Many irrigation projects were languishing for decades due to lack of funds or other issues. AIBP provides funds to complete these projects quickly to bring the irrigation potential to use.

Correct Answer: B. National Action Plan on Climate Change

National Water Mission is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to conserve water resources, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution. The mission targets 20% improvement in water use efficiency and increased irrigation coverage.

Correct Answer: B. Reduce distress sale by farmers through storage

Rural storage schemes like Gramin Bhandaran Yojana aim to reduce distress sale by farmers by enabling them to store their produce scientifically after harvest. Farmers often sell produce at low prices immediately after harvest due to lack of storage. With access to storage, they can hold produce and sell when prices are better.

Correct Answer: C. 2018

PM-AASHA was launched in 2018 to ensure remunerative prices to farmers for their produce. It is an umbrella scheme that includes Price Support Scheme, Price Deficiency Payment Scheme, and Private Procurement pilot. The scheme was seen as a step towards operationalizing the government's commitment to provide MSP+50% returns to farmers.

Correct Answer: B. Value addition including washing, grading, processing, packaging, and cold storage

Food processing in agricultural value chain includes the entire gamut of value addition activities from washing and grading to processing, packaging, and cold storage. The food processing industry helps in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers' income. The government has a separate Ministry of Food Processing Industries to promote this sector.