Question 1

Which of the following is the primary objective of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?

Accepted Answer

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a food security mechanism established under the Constitution to distribute essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar at subsidized rates to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. Its primary objective is to ensure food security and protect vulnerable sections of society from price fluctuations. This is a static institutional fact about India's welfare system.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary objective of India's Public Distribution System (PDS)?

Accepted Answer

The Public Distribution System (PDS) is a food security mechanism established under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Its primary objective is to ensure food security and distribute essential commodities (rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene) at subsidized prices to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. The system operates through Fair Price Shops across India. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 3

Under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyaan (PM-AASHA) scheme, what is the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism designed to protect? Which of the following correctly describes its primary coverage as of 2024?

Accepted Answer

The PM-AASHA scheme, launched in 2018, operates through three pillars: Price Support Scheme (PSS) for perishable commodities, Aggregate Forming Scheme (AFS) for oilseeds, and Mandi Assurance Scheme (MAS) for pulses and oilseeds. The scheme primarily protects farmers from price volatility by ensuring they receive MSP or market price, whichever is higher. As of 2024, the scheme covers 22 notified crops including pulses (arhar, moong, urad), oilseeds (groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, safflower, sesamum, nigerseed, castor), and perishables (potato, onion, tomato). The scheme does NOT cover cereals like wheat and rice, which are covered under the traditional MSP mechanism through Food Corporation of India (FCI) procurement. Option B correctly identifies that PM-AASHA covers pulses and oilseeds as primary commodities with perishables as secondary coverage. Option A incorrectly includes cereals, which are outside PM-AASHA's scope. Option C confuses PM-AASHA with the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund. Option D incorrectly suggests universal coverage of all agricultural commodities. Therefore, the answer is B.

RRB Group D Agriculture & Food Security

RRB Group D Agriculture & Food Security — Past Exam Questions

Agriculture & Food Security— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Agriculture & Food Security — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Agriculture & Food Security