Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The NFSA, 2013 guarantees subsidized food grains to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, covering approximately two-thirds of India's population.

Question 2

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, while the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare handles crop production and agricultural development.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

MSP is a government-guaranteed price floor for agricultural commodities to protect farmers from price volatility and ensure remunerative returns, while also maintaining food security through stable supply.

Question 4

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 management, and targeted schemes. Export subsidies are not part of the domestic food security framework.

Question 5

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 at subsidized prices to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) households, ensuring food security and price stability.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The NFSA 2013 guarantees subsidized food grains to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, ensuring universal food security coverage.

Question 7

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) primarily aims to provide insurance coverage for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme launched in 2016 to protect farmers against crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases, ensuring income stability.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The MSP is announced by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (now Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, based on recommendations from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Question 9

Under the Public Distribution System (PDS), 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 question tests knowledge of PDS structural framework, which is fundamental to understanding India's food security architecture.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) premium calculation?

Accepted Answer

PMFBY premium is calculated based on: (1) Sum Insured (SI), (2) Premium Rate (fixed by insurance companies), and (3) Area/Acreage. Soil quality, while important for agricultural productivity, is NOT a direct component of premium calculation in PMFBY. The scheme uses actuarial premium rates determined by historical yield data and claims experience, not soil composition.

Question 11

Which state in India has the highest percentage of its agricultural land under organic farming certification as of 2023-24?

Accepted Answer

As of 2023-24, Sikkim has achieved 100% organic farming certification across its agricultural land, making it the only fully organic state in India. This was achieved through the Sikkim Organic Mission launched in 2003 and formalized through the Sikkim Organic Farming Policy. Other leading states include Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but none match Sikkim's complete transition.

SSC MTS 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