11. In the context of agricultural development, consider the following statements:
- The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched to enhance post-harvest management in India.
- The AIF scheme allows funding for projects like cold storage, processing units, and solar projects.
- The maximum interest rate for loans under the AIF is capped at 7% for a tenure of 5 years.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched to enhance post-harvest management in India: This is correct. The AIF aims to provide financing for agricultural infrastructure projects.
- The AIF scheme allows funding for projects like cold storage, processing units, and solar projects: This is correct. Various projects, including cold storage and processing units, are eligible for funding.
- The maximum interest rate for loans under the AIF is capped at 7% for a tenure of 5 years: This is incorrect. The maximum interest rate is capped at 9% for a tenure of 7 years.
Thus, two statements are correct.
12. With reference to the Gond tribe, Consider the following statements:
- The basis of the Gond economy is agriculture, but they also practice animal husbandry.
- The religion of the Gond tribes centers on clan and village gods, together with ancestor worship.
- Medaram Jathara is an important festival of the Gonds.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- The basis of the Gond economy is agriculture, but they also practice animal husbandry. Correct: The basis of the Gond economy is agriculture, but they also practice animal husbandry. Some Gond also gather wild plants to eat.
- The religion of the Gond tribes centers on clan and village gods, together with ancestor worship. Correct: The religion of the Gond tribes centers on clan and village gods, together with ancestor worship.
- Medaram Jathara is an important festival of the Gonds. Incorrect: Keslapur Jathra and Madai are important festivals of the Gonds. Apart from this, they also celebrate Hindu festival called Dusshera.
Medaram Jathara, celebrated biennially by the Koya tribe, is the world’s largest tribal religious gathering, attracting around 10 million people over four days in February (Magha Purnima) in Medaram.
13. In the context of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme, consider the following statements:
- It is a Central Sponsor Scheme which was launched in 2020.
- It offers medium- to long-term debt financing for post-harvest infrastructure and community farming projects through interest subvention and financial support.
- All loans up to a limit of ₹ 2 crores under this financing facility will have an interest subvention of 3% per annum.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- It is a Central Sponsor Scheme which was launched in 2020. Incorrect: It is a Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 2020. The duration of the Scheme shall be from FY2020 to FY2032 (10 years).
- It offers medium- to long-term debt financing for post-harvest infrastructure and community farming projects through interest subvention and financial support. Correct: The scheme shall provide a medium- to long-term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support.
- All loans up to a limit of ₹ 2 crores under this financing facility will have an interest subvention of 3% per annum. Correct: All loans up to a limit of ₹ 2 crores under this financing facility will have interest subvention of 3% per annum. This subvention will be available for a maximum period of 7 years.
14. Which state has emerged as top-performing state in implementing the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme?
[A] Haryana
[B] Gujarat
[C] Punjab
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Notes:
Punjab has fully utilized ₹4,713 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme. It ranks number one in India for AIF implementation. The state has received an additional ₹2,337 crore allocation. AIF was launched in July 2020 to finance agriculture infrastructure projects. The scheme supports post-harvest infrastructure, including storage, processing, and supply chain improvements. It provides medium to long-term financing to farmers, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs. Punjab’s effective use of AIF aims to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance value addition in agriculture.
15. With reference to Google’s digital agri-stack, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- AgriStack will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them with end-to-end services across the agriculture food value chain.
- Each farmer will receive a unique digital ID with personal, land, production, and financial details.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both 1 & 2]
Notes:- AgriStack will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them with end-to-end services across the agriculture food value chain. Correct: AgriStack is a collection of technologies and digital databases that focuses on farmers and the agricultural sector. AgriStack will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them end to end services across the agriculture food value chain.
- Each farmer will receive a unique digital ID with personal, land, production, and financial details. Correct: Under the programme, each farmer will have a unique digital identification (farmers’ ID) that contains personal details, information about the land they farm, as well as production and financial details.
16. Regarding the impact of coal power on agriculture, consider the following statements:
- Coal-fired power plants are linked to nitrogen dioxide emissions that affect crop yields.
- Coal mining has been shown to enhance soil fertility in agricultural regions.
- Coal pollution has been found to impact rice and wheat production in India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Coal-fired power plants are linked to nitrogen dioxide emissions that affect crop yields: This is correct. Nitrogen dioxide from coal plants has been shown to negatively impact crop health and yields.
- Coal mining has been shown to enhance soil fertility in agricultural regions: This is incorrect. Coal mining typically degrades soil quality and can lead to erosion and contamination.
- Coal pollution has been found to impact rice and wheat production in India: This is correct. Studies indicate that coal-related pollution has detrimental effects on these staple crops.
17. With reference to agricultural practices, consider the following statements:
- Crop Rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same area across a sequence of seasons.
- Permaculture is a sustainable agricultural system that integrates land, resources, people, and the environment.
- Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent.
- Agroforestry combines agriculture and forestry to create more diverse, productive, and sustainable land-use systems.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- Crop Rotation: It prevents soil depletion and reduces pest and disease buildup.
- Permaculture: It emphasizes sustainable land use and self-sufficient ecosystems.
- Hydroponics: It can lead to faster plant growth and higher yields in controlled environments.
- Agroforestry: It enhances biodiversity and improves soil health through tree integration.
Thus, all four statements are correct.
18. With respect to the Digital Agriculture Mission, which of the following observations is/are correct?
- It aims to create a completely cashless farming ecosystem.
- It includes provisions for onboarding tenant and lessee farmers.
- AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Maps are three major components envisaged under the mission.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- It aims to create a completely cashless farming ecosystem. Incorrect: The Digital Agriculture Mission does not specifically aim to create a completely cashless farming ecosystem. Its focus is on enhancing digital solutions and providing reliable crop-related information.
- It includes provisions for onboarding tenant and lessee farmers. Correct: The mission does include provisions for onboarding tenant and lessee farmers, allowing states to decide on their inclusion in the Farmers Registry based on state policies.
- AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Maps are three major components envisaged under the mission. Correct: Three major components of DPI are envisaged under the Digital Agriculture Mission: AgriStack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Maps. Each of these DPI components will provide solutions that will allow farmers to access and avail of various services.
19. Which organization launched the “Ugbaad” climate-resilient agriculture project in Somalia?
[A] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
[B] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)]
Notes:
FAO launched a seven-year project in Somalia to improve climate adaptation for vulnerable communities. The $95 million project, named “Ugbaad” (meaning hope), will address climate change and strengthen agriculture. The project was approved in October 2024 and aims to restore landscapes and empower local communities. Agriculture is critical in Somalia, involving 65% of the population and contributing 75% to GDP. Somalia faces severe climate risks, with frequent weather shocks harming agriculture and livelihoods. Drought and flooding between 2020-2023 affected millions dependent on seasonal rains.
20. In the light of India’s agricultural policies, consider the following statements:
- PM-KISAN scheme was launched to support tenant farmers exclusively.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) is fixed annually for 22 agricultural crops based on CACP recommendations.
- Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) aims to create a robust digital ecosystem for farmers.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- PM-KISAN scheme was launched to support tenant farmers exclusively: This is incorrect. PM-KISAN primarily supports land-holding farmers, not tenant farmers.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) is fixed annually for 22 agricultural crops based on CACP recommendations: This is correct. MSP is reviewed and set based on comprehensive cost analysis.
- Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) aims to create a robust digital ecosystem for farmers: This is correct. DAM focuses on farmer-centric digital solutions and timely crop information.
Thus, two statements are correct.
