Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

MSP is a government-guaranteed price for agricultural commodities to protect farmers from price fluctuations and ensure minimum income. It is announced by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) before each sowing season.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a component of India's food security framework?

Accepted Answer

India's food security framework includes PDS, MSP, buffer stock maintenance, and NFSA. Agricultural subsidies and crop insurance are separate schemes. The question tests understanding of what constitutes the core food security architecture.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The PDS is a food security mechanism designed to distribute essential commodities (rice, wheat, sugar, kerosene) at subsidized prices to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families through Fair Price Shops.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The National Food Security Act, 2013 was passed by the Indian Parliament to provide legal right to food and ensure food security for all citizens. It came into force on 5 October 2013.

Question 5

Which ministry in India is primarily responsible for formulating policies related to food security and the Public Distribution System?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution is the nodal ministry responsible for PDS, food security policies, and management of foodgrain stocks in India.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

The NFSA, 2013 provides legal right to food security to approximately 67% of the population (prioritized households + general households). It mandates 5 kg foodgrains per person per month at subsidized rates (₹3/kg rice, ₹2/kg wheat as per 2013 rates).

Question 7

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India is announced by which ministry/organization?

Accepted Answer

The MSP is announced by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (now Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Question 8

The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSP for how many crops as of 2024?

Accepted Answer

The CACP recommends MSP for 23 crops, which include 7 cereals (rice, wheat, maize, jowar, bajra, ragi, barley), 5 pulses (arhar, gram, moong, urad, masur), 7 oilseeds (groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soyabean, sunflower, safflower, sesamum, nigerseed), and 4 others (sugarcane, cotton, copra, jute).

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a component of India's food security policy framework?

Accepted Answer

India's food security framework includes: (1) MSP and procurement, (2) Public Distribution System (PDS), (3) Buffer stock management by FCI, (4) NFSA 2013, and (5) Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Export subsidies are NOT a component; India has restrictions on agricultural exports for food security.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT included in India's Public Distribution System (PDS) as a staple food grain distributed to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households?

Accepted Answer

The Public Distribution System distributes rice, wheat, and coarse cereals (jowar, bajra, maize) as essential food grains. Pulses like arhar (pigeon pea) are NOT part of the standard PDS basket for BPL households, though some states have introduced pulses under supplementary schemes.

Question 11

As per the Food Security and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, what is the maximum permissible limit of pesticide residues in wheat grains for domestic consumption?

Accepted Answer

FSSAI does not prescribe a single universal maximum residue limit (MRL) for all pesticides in wheat. Instead, it adopts MRLs set by Codex Alimentarius Commission or establishes crop-specific limits. For wheat, the MRL for common pesticides like chlorpyrifos is typically 0.5 mg/kg, but this varies by pesticide. The question tests understanding that there is no single 'maximum limit' for all pesticides.

Question 12

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 to target 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 budget allocation.

Question 13

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched in which year, and what is the maximum insurance coverage limit for a single crop per hectare as per the current scheme guidelines?

Accepted Answer

PMFBY was launched on 18 February 2016. The insurance coverage is calculated based on the Declared Value of the crop, which is determined by the Loanable Value (LV) for loanee farmers and the Sum Insured (SI) for non-loanee farmers. There is no fixed maximum per hectare; coverage varies by crop and region, but typically ranges from ₹30,000–₹50,000 per hectare depending on crop type.

SSC CPO 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