1. The Minimum Support Prices are notified based on the recommendations of which among the following Commissions of the Ministry of Agriculture?
A. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
B. Commission for Farmers’ Benefits and Costs
C. Commission for Subsidy Costs and Prices
D. Commission for Subsidy Benefits and Costs
Solution
The correct answer is Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.
Key Points
- The Minimum Support Prices are notified based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices which is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- MSP is the assured price announced by the central government at which foodgrains are procured from farmers by the central and state governments and their agencies, for the central pool of foodgrains.
- The central pool is used for providing foodgrains under the Public Distribution System and other welfare schemes at subsidized prices and is also kept as a reserve in the form of buffer stock.
- The cost of procuring from farmers at MSP and distributing under PDS at subsidized prices is borne by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
- However, the MSPs for all crops are decided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- While MSPs are annually announced for 23 crops, public procurement is limited to a few crops such as paddy, wheat, and, to a limited extent, pulses.
2. With reference to the Minimum Support Price, which of the following is/are the significance of Minimum Support Price?
1. Crop Diversification
2. Differential Remuneration and protection to farmers
3. Mend demand-supply imbalance
4. Focus on Nutri-Rich crops
Select the right code given below.
A. 1 and 4 only
B. 2, 3, and 4 only
C. 1, 3, and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4
Solution
The correct answer is 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Key Points
Significance of MSPs
- Crop Diversification
- There are slightly higher increases in the MSP for pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals which helps in achieving the motive of diversifying crops. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Differential Remuneration and protection to farmers
- It helps in diversifying the crops in land use patterns. It protects farmers from the unwarranted fluctuation in prices provoked by the international level price variations. Any sharp fall in the market price of a commodity can be handled as MSP acts as a shock absorber. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Mend demand-supply imbalance
- Concerted efforts were made to realign the MSPs in favour of oilseeds, pulses and coarse cereals. It encouraged farmers to shift to larger areas under these crops and adopt the best technologies and farm practices, to correct the demand-supply imbalance. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
- Focus on Nutri-Rich crops
- The added focus on nutrient-rich Nutri-cereals is to incentivise its production in the areas where rice-wheat cannot be grown without long term adverse implications for groundwater table. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
- Needs of consumers
- MSP ensures that the country’s agricultural output responds to the changing needs of its consumers. Ex: The government hiked the MSP of pulses to expand the sowing of pulses.
- Food Crops
- The MSP incentivises the production of a specific food crop that is in short supply.
- Forward chain
- The MSP leads to higher farm profits which encourage farmers to spend more on inputs, technology etc.
- Atma-nirbhar Bharat
- To boost pulses and oilseeds production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports, the government increased the support price of tur by Rs 300 to Rs 6,300 per quintal for the 2021-22 crop year from Rs 6,000 per quintal last year.
3. In the context of rural credit and micro finance, KCC stands for:
A. Krishi Credit Card
B. Kisan Credit Card
C. Krishi Credit Corporation
D. Kisan Credit Corporation
Solution
The correct answer is Kisan Credit Card
Key Points
- The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998.
- Kisan Credit Cards are issued to farmers on the basis of their holdings for uniform adoption by the banks so that farmers may use them to readily purchase agriculture inputs such as:
- Seeds,
- Fertilizers,
- Pesticides etc. and draw cash for their production needs.
- Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, a flexible limit of Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 has been provided to marginal farmers.
- This model scheme was prepared by the NABARD on the recommendations of the R. V. Gupta Committee to provide advances for agricultural needs.
4. “Operation Flood” is a:
A. Mission to increase performance of the dairy sector
B. River Management Mission
C. Mission to save rain water for irrigation
D. Mission to increase underground water
Solution
The correct answer is Mission to increase the performance of the dairy sector.
Additional Information
- “Operation Flood” is a mission to increase the performance of the dairy sector.
- Operation Flood was launched in 1970 by National Dairy Development Board during the time of the Fourth Five Year Plan.
- Operation flood was the world’s biggest dairy development program which gave a major thrust to the milk production of the nation.
- It aimed at helping the dairy industry sustain itself economically while providing employment to poor farmers.
- The result was that India became the largest producer of Milk and Milk Products.
- White Revolution contributed to a large extent to alleviate poverty in India.
- Gujarat-based co-operation “Anand Milk Union Limited” (Amul) was the engine behind the success of the programme.
- Operation Flood is called the White Revolution in India.
- The programme to increase the production of milk is called White Revolution.
- Indian Dairy Association decided to observe the birthday of Verghese Kurien as National Milk Day.
- ‘Unfinished Dream’ is a book written by Verghese Kurien.
Important Points
- Father of White Revolution in India – Verghese Kurien.
- Milkman of India – Verghese Kurien.
- National Milk Day – November 26.
- National Dairy Development Board – Anand (Gujarat).
- National Dairy Research Institute – Karnal (Haryana).
- The largest producer of Milk and Milk Products in the World – India.
5. Which of the following is/are the features of a green revolution?
1. The Green Revolution in India began in the mid-1960s.
2. It is associated with the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds and Technical Expertise.
3. In India its chief protagonist was MS Swaminathan, former Director-General of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Solution
The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.
Key Points
- The average national yield of wheat was very low in the 1960s as compared to the wheat yields of agriculturally advanced countries. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- In 1970, Norman E. Borlaug was awarded Nobel prize for “Green Revolution” which also helped India.
- MS Swaminathan, former Director-General of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) stressed the need for reorientation of the entire breeding programme of tall varieties. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
- Components of the Green Revolution
- High Yielding Varieties (HYV).
- Mechanization of Agriculture. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
- Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides.
- Irrigation.
- Achievements:
- Increase in Agricultural Production and productivity.
- Less Dependence on Imports.
- Employment.
- A Benefit to the Farmers.
Additional Information
- Negative Impacts of the Green Revolution are:
- Reduction in genetic diversity
- Greater vulnerability to pests
- Displacement of small farmers
- Land Degradation
- Groundwater depletion
- Ecological and health Impacts
- Income disparity among farmers
- Increased Social conflicts
6. “Towards International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) “, an initiative to improve global nitrogen management, is implemented by:
A. United Nations Environment Programme
B. UNFCCC Secretariat
C. The World Meteorological Organisation
D. Climate Action Network
Solution
The correct answer is United Nations Environment Programme.
Key Points
International Nitrogen Management System (INMS):
- International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) was established to bring scientific evidence together to inform policies and the public about the multiple benefits and threats of reactive nitrogen.
- INMS brings together the scientific community, the private sector, and civil society to gather and synthesize evidence that can support international policy development to improve global nitrogen management.
- ‘Towards INMS’ is a 6 million USD project and is implemented by the UN Environment (United Nations Environment Programme) with funding through the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Hence, option 1 is the correct answer.
- Goals:
- Tools for understanding and managing the global Nitrogen Cycle
- Quantification of Nitrogen flows threats and benefits
- Demonstration and verification of management tools at local/national levels
- Awareness raising and knowledge sharing
7. Which of the following are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
1) Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources
2) Reduce inequality within and among countries
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution
The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.
Key Points
- Sustainable Development:
- Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).
- Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts toward building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for people and the planet.
- It is a group of 17 goals with 169 targets and 304 indicators, as proposed by the United Nations General Assembly’s Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Post negotiations, an agenda titled “Transforming Our World: the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development” was adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit. SDGs are the outcome of the Rio+20 conference (2012) held in Rio De Janerio and are a non-binding document.
- The 17 goals under the Sustainable Development Goals are as mentioned below:
- End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
- Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all stages
- Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
- Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all
- Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
- Built resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostered innovation
- Reduce inequalities within and among countries. Hence, statement b is correct.
- Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- Ensure sustainable consumption and production pattern
- Take urgent actions to combat climate change and its impact.
- Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Hence, statement a is correct.
- Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managed forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
- Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels
- Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
8. With reference to ‘Carbon Offsetting’, consider the following statements:
1. They are credits for the reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions.
2. Carbon Offsets are quantified and sold in metric tonnes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Solution
The correct answer is Option 3.
Key Points
- Carbon offsets are credits for reduction in greenhouse gas emission made at another location, such as wind farms which create renewable energy and reduce the need of fossil fuel powered energy. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Carbon offsets are quantified and sold in metric tones of carbon dioxide equivalent. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Buying one tone of carbon offsets means there will be one less tone of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than there would otherwise have been.
- Carbon offsetting is often the fastest way to achieve the deepest reductions within business and it also often delivers added benefits at the project sites.
- For a carbon offset to be credible it must meet essential quality criteria, including proof that is reduction in emissions would not have occurred without the carbon finance.
9. Select the incorrect statement with respect to PDS
A. It is a part of the national food security system.
B. It was designed to ensure availability of food to all sections of society.
C. It only provides food grains at subsidised prices in rural areas.
D. It ensures the distribution of food.
Solution
- Food is a basic need and every citizen of the country should have access to food which provides minimum nutritional level.
- If any segment of our population does not have this access, that segment suffers from lack of food security.
- The number of people who do not have food security is disproportionately large in some regions of our country.
- Particularly in economically less developed states with higher incidence of poverty.
- The remote areas of the country are more prone to natural disasters and uncertain food supply.
- In order to ensure availability of food to all sections of society our government carefully designed a national food security system.
- It consists of two components (a) buffer stock and (b) public distribution system (PDS).
KEY POINTS
Public Distribution System (PDS):
- PDS is a programme that provides food grains and other essential commodities at subsidised prices in rural and urban areas.
- PDS is a system of distribution of selected essential commodities through ‘fair price shops’ which are operated by private dealers.
- Items that are distributed through PDS are rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil and kerosene.
- India’s food security policy has a primary objective to ensure availability of foodgrains to the common people at an affordable price.
- It has enabled the poor to have access to food.
- The focus of the policy is on growth in agriculture production and on fixing the support price for procurement of wheat and rice, to maintain their stocks.
- Food Corporation of India (FCI) is responsible for procuring and stocking foodgrains.
- Whereas distribution is ensured by PDS.
Thus, ‘it only provides food grains at subsidised prices in rural areas’ is the incorrect statement with respect to PDS.
10. Match List – I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
| List – I | List – II |
| (A) Growth in Food Production | (1)Green Revolution |
| (B) Milk Production | (2)Blue Revolution |
| (C) Fisheries | (3)White Revolution |
| (D) Fertilizers | (4)Grey Revolution |
A. A – 1, B – 3, C – 2, D – 4
B. A – 3, B – 1, C – 4, D – 2
C. A – 4, B – 2, C – 3, D – 1
D. A – 3, B – 2, C – 4, D – 1
Solution
The correct answer is A – 1, B – 3, C – 2, D – 4.
Key Points
- The correct match is:-
| List – I | List – II |
| Growth in Food Production | Green Revolution |
| Milk Production | White Revolution |
| Fisheries | Blue Revolution |
| Fertilizers | Grey Revolution |
Additional Information
- Some major color revolutions are as follows:-
| Field/Production | Revolution |
| Petroleum | Black Power Revolution |
| Fish | Blue Revolution |
| Fertilizer | Grey Revolution |
| Drugs and Pharmaceuticals | Pink Revolution |
| Oilseeds | Yellow Revolution |
| Potato | Round Revolution |
| Cotton | Silver fiber Revolution |
