Question 1

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted in India in which year?

Accepted Answer

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was enacted in 2013. It is a landmark legislation that provides a legal right to food for all citizens, covering approximately 67% of the population through the Public Distribution System.

Question 2

Which scheme was launched by the Government of India to provide food grains to the poor at highly subsidised prices under the National Food Security Act, 2013?

Accepted Answer

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 provides for the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) under which eligible beneficiaries receive food grains (rice, wheat, coarse grains) at subsidised prices. Under the scheme, up to 75% of rural and 50% of urban population are covered.

Question 3

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, what percentage of the population is entitled to receive subsidized food grains?

Accepted Answer

The National Food Security Act, 2013 guarantees subsidized food grains to 67% of the population in rural areas and 50% in urban areas, prioritizing the poorest households.

Question 4

What is the minimum support price (MSP) mechanism primarily designed to achieve?

Accepted Answer

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price floor for agricultural commodities to protect farmers from price volatility and ensure remunerative returns for their produce.

Question 5

Which ministry in India is primarily responsible for implementing food security and public distribution policies?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the nodal ministry responsible for implementing food security policies, managing the Public Distribution System, and regulating food prices in India.

Question 6

Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing food security and agricultural policies in India?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution handles food security, PDS, and food grain management. Agricultural policies are handled by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Question 7

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 that ensures affordable access to essential commodities like rice, wheat, and sugar to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. It is one of the world's largest food distribution networks.

Question 8

Which of the following crops is NOT typically covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?

Accepted Answer

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana covers food crops (cereals, pulses, oilseeds) and commercial crops like cotton, sugarcane, and jute. Horticulture crops like fruits and vegetables are generally not covered under PMFBY.

Question 9

What is the minimum support price (MSP) in agriculture primarily designed to achieve?

Accepted Answer

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-guaranteed price for agricultural commodities. It is primarily designed to protect farmers from price fluctuations and ensure remunerative prices for their produce, thereby promoting agricultural production and farmer welfare.

Question 10

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) primarily covers which risk to farmers?

Accepted Answer

PMFBY, launched in 2016, provides insurance coverage against crop loss due to natural calamities (drought, flood, hail, cyclone), pests, and diseases—not market price fluctuations.

Question 11

Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in India?

Accepted Answer

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Question 12

Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, what is the quantity of foodgrains entitled to eligible households under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) per month?

Accepted Answer

Under NFSA 2013, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households are entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, while priority households (PHH) receive 5 kg per person per month. AAY targets the poorest of the poor families.

Question 13

The National Food Security Act, 2013 guarantees food grains to what percentage of the population?

Accepted Answer

The NFSA, 2013 provides subsidized food grains to approximately 67% of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas), covering both BPL and APL households.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

Accepted Answer

PMKSY focuses on irrigation efficiency and water conservation through 'Per Drop More Crop' and 'Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme' components, not on direct crop insurance or fertilizer subsidies.

Question 15

Which constitutional article specifically addresses the State's duty to provide food security and nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Article 47 of the Indian Constitution places a duty on the State to improve public health and nutrition and to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living of its people.

Question 16

As per the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, what percentage of the population is entitled to receive subsidized foodgrains under the Public Distribution System (PDS)?

Accepted Answer

The NFSA, 2013 entitles 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population to receive subsidized foodgrains through PDS. This covers approximately 67% of the total population.

Question 17

The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyaan (PM-AASHA) scheme, launched in 2018, aims to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) for which of the following crops as its primary focus?

Accepted Answer

PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyaan) was launched in 2018 with a focus on pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals. The scheme operates through three pillars: Price Support Scheme (PSS), Amended Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Order, and Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS).

Question 18

Under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) classifies beneficiary households into how many categories based on economic status?

Accepted Answer

The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), implemented nationwide from June 1997, categorizes beneficiary households into three distinct categories: Below Poverty Line (BPL), Above Poverty Line (APL), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). AAY was introduced in December 2000 specifically for the poorest of the poor households. This three-tier classification determines the quantity and subsidy level of foodgrains (rice and wheat) each household receives monthly. The distinction is critical for food security policy implementation and is a frequently tested static fact in SSC economics sections.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about India's Green Revolution is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The Green Revolution (1960s-1970s) was primarily focused on wheat and rice production in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. It did NOT significantly address pulses production, which remains a chronic deficit area in Indian agriculture.

Question 20

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, mandates that farmers pay a uniform premium rate of what percentage of the sum insured for kharif crops?

Accepted Answer

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched on January 13, 2016, requires farmers to pay a uniform premium of 2% of the sum insured for kharif crops and 1.5% for rabi crops. The government and state governments together cover the remaining premium.

SSC CGL Agriculture & Food Security

Agriculture & Food Security— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Agriculture & Food Security — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Agriculture & Food Security