Practise Questions on Indian Agriculture (Economy) for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is known as the Father of Green Revolution in India. He introduced Mexican dwarf wheat varieties developed by Norman Borlaug to India. Dr. Swaminathan received the World Food Prize in 1987 and the first World Food Prize Laureate. He passed away in September 2023.

Buffer stock is maintained for meeting the requirement of Public Distribution System (PDS) meeting emergency situations like drought floods and other calamities stabilizing prices by market intervention and ensuring food security. Buffer norms specify minimum stocks to be maintained.

Small and marginal farmers (holdings below 2 hectares) constitute about 86.2% of total operational holdings in India as per Agriculture Census 2015-16. However they own only about 47% of total cultivated area. This highlights the challenge of land fragmentation and small farm size.

About 76% of agricultural credit now goes to small and marginal farmers up from 57% in 2014-15. Priority sector lending norms require banks to lend 18% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to agriculture with sub-targets for small and marginal farmers direct agriculture and indirect agriculture.

Fertilizer subsidy is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to fertilizer companies who sell at subsidized Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme covers P&K fertilizers while Urea is under statutory price control. Government bears the difference between cost and MRP.

Telangana launched Rythu Bandhu (farmer’s friend) scheme in 2018 providing Rs 10000 per acre per year to farmers in two installments. It was one of the first direct income transfer schemes for farmers and inspired PM-KISAN. It covers all farmers who own land irrespective of landholding size.

e-NAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) was launched on 14th April 2016. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal linking APMCs across states. As of December 2024 over 1410 mandis across 23 states and 4 UTs have been integrated. Trade worth Rs 4.01 lakh crore has been recorded.

Tube wells and bore wells cover the largest irrigated area in India at about 46% of net irrigated area followed by canals at about 24% and wells at about 17%. Groundwater irrigation has grown rapidly due to subsidized electricity but has led to groundwater depletion in many areas.

Agriculture Census in India is conducted every 5 years since 1970-71. The latest published census is 2015-16 (10th census). It provides data on operational holdings cropping pattern land use irrigation and agricultural implements. 2020-21 census was delayed due to COVID-19.

Uttar Pradesh is the largest food grain producing state in India contributing about 18% of total food grain production. It is the largest producer of wheat and sugarcane. Punjab is the largest contributor to Central Pool through procurement. MP has emerged as top wheat producer recently.

KCC loans up to Rs 3 lakh attract interest rate of 7% per annum with additional 3% interest subvention for prompt repayment making effective rate 4% for farmers who repay on time. This interest subvention scheme provides significant relief to farmers and encourages timely repayment.

CACP recommends MSP for 22 mandated crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. The 22 crops include 7 cereals (Paddy Wheat Jowar Bajra Maize Ragi Barley) 5 pulses 7 oilseeds and 4 commercial crops (Cotton Jute Sugarcane Copra).

Operation Flood (1970-1996) also called White Revolution was associated with milk production. It was launched by Dr. Verghese Kurien through National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). India became the world’s largest milk producer. Amul cooperative model was replicated nationwide.

NMSA focuses on sustainable agriculture practices including soil health management water use efficiency and climate change adaptation. It was launched as part of National Action Plan on Climate Change. It includes components like Rainfed Area Development and Soil Health Management.

Rice production in 2024-25 reached a record 150.18 million tonnes up by 12.36 million tonnes from 137.82 million tonnes in 2023-24. This was the highest absolute increase among all crops. Wheat reached 117.94 million tonnes. Both achieved all-time record production.

Contract farming is regulated under The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020 passed by Parliament. This Act along with two other farm laws was repealed in November 2021 after farmer protests. Earlier some states had their own contract farming legislation.

ICAR stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research established in 1929. It is the apex body for coordinating and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture fisheries and animal sciences. It has over 100 research institutes and 71 agricultural universities under its umbrella.

Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producing state in India followed by West Bengal. Andhra Pradesh is leader in inland aquaculture especially shrimp and freshwater fish culture. Gujarat leads in marine fish production. These states benefit from long coastline and water resources.

India’s total fish production (inland and marine) reached 184.02 lakh tonnes (18.4 million tonnes) in 2023-24 up from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14. India is 3rd largest fish producing country and 2nd largest aquaculture producer. Inland fisheries contribute about 70% of total fish production.

Rabi crops are sown in winter season (October-December) and harvested in spring (March-April). Major Rabi crops include Wheat Barley Gram (Chana) Mustard Peas and Linseed. Rabi crops require cool climate during growing period and warm climate during harvest.

Dr. Verghese Kurien is known as the Father of White Revolution and Milkman of India. He founded Amul cooperative and led Operation Flood through NDDB. Under his leadership India transformed from milk-deficient to the world’s largest milk producer. He passed away in 2012.

Agriculture and Allied sectors contribute approximately 18-20% to India’s GDP but employ about 42-46% of the workforce. The share has declined from about 52% in 1950-51 but agriculture remains crucial for food security and rural livelihoods. GVA of agriculture averaged 5% growth from FY17 to FY23.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) launched in 2014-15 promotes production of fruits vegetables flowers aromatic plants spices plantation crops and mushrooms. India is 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables after China. Horticulture contributes about 33% of agriculture GVA.

India imports about 55-60% of its edible oil requirement making it the world’s largest importer of edible oils. Major imports include Palm Oil Soybean Oil and Sunflower Oil. The Self-Reliance in Oilseeds Mission aims to reduce import dependence by increasing domestic production.

India’s total oilseed production in 2024-25 reached a record 42.99 million tonnes (429.89 lakh tonnes) up from 39.67 million tonnes in 2023-24. Soybean at 15.27 million tonnes and Groundnut at 11.94 million tonnes achieved record production. This is significant for reducing edible oil imports.

Zaid crops are short-duration crops grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons during summer months (March to June). They require warm dry weather and irrigation. Examples include Watermelon Muskmelon Cucumber Vegetables and Moong. They bridge the gap between two main seasons.

PMMSY was launched on 10th September 2020 as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat package with investment of Rs 20050 crore. It aims to bring Blue Revolution by increasing fish production to 22 million tonnes by 2024-25 and doubling exports. Fish production reached 184 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.

Kharif season starts with the onset of Southwest Monsoon in June-July and crops are harvested in September-October. Major Kharif crops include Rice Maize Jowar Bajra Tur Moong Urad Cotton Jute Groundnut and Soybean. The word Kharif is derived from Arabic meaning autumn.

PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) provides income support of Rs 6000 per year to eligible farmer families in three equal installments of Rs 2000 each. The scheme was launched on 24th February 2019. Over 11 crore farmers have benefited. Total disbursement has crossed Rs 3.46 lakh crore.

MSP is announced by the Central Government based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). CACP recommends MSP for 22 mandated crops and Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. Final decision is taken by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

PMKSY was launched on 1st July 2015 with the motto Har Khet Ko Pani (Water to Every Field) and More Crop Per Drop. It has components like Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) Per Drop More Crop and Watershed Development. It aims to expand irrigated area and improve water use efficiency.

PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan) launched in 2018 ensures MSP to farmers for oilseeds pulses and copra. It has three components: Price Support Scheme (PSS) Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS).

Neem Coating of Urea was made 100% mandatory from May 2015 to reduce diversion of subsidized urea for non-agricultural purposes and to improve nitrogen use efficiency. Neem-coated urea releases nitrogen slowly reducing losses and also acts as pesticide improving soil health.

About 48-52% of India’s net sown area is under irrigation while the remaining 48-52% is rainfed. India has the largest irrigated area in the world at about 68 million hectares. Increasing irrigation coverage especially in eastern India and rainfed areas remains a priority.

Soil Health Card scheme was launched on 19th February 2015 from Suratgarh Rajasthan. It provides farmers with information on nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations on appropriate dosage of nutrients. Over 23 crore soil health cards have been issued in two cycles.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission launched in 2014 aims to conserve and develop indigenous cattle breeds and enhance milk production. It focuses on development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds through selective breeding. Gokul Grams and Gau Abhayasrams have been established.

Pulses production in India in 2024-25 reached about 25.68 million tonnes. Major pulses include Chickpea (Chana) at 11.11 million tonnes Tur at 3.62 million tonnes and Moong at 4.24 million tonnes. Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission was launched to boost production and reduce imports.

APMC Act regulates the sale and purchase of agricultural produce in designated market yards (mandis). It requires all agricultural produce to be sold only in regulated markets through licensed traders/commission agents. The Act has been criticized for restricting farmer’s freedom to sell and creating middlemen monopoly.

PM-KISAN was launched on 24th February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh. Initially it covered only small and marginal farmers but was later extended to all farmer families. The 21st installment was released in November 2025 benefiting 9.34 crore farmers.

India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of Pulses accounting for about 25% of global production and 27% of consumption. Despite being largest producer India imports pulses due to demand-supply gap. Major pulses grown are Gram Tur Urad Moong Lentil.

National Mission on Natural Farming was announced in Union Budget 2024-25 to promote chemical-free agriculture. Natural farming based on principles of Subhash Palekar focuses on using indigenous cattle-based inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit. Andhra Pradesh has been a pioneer in natural farming.

NABARD stands for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. It was established on 12th July 1982 based on recommendations of B. Sivaraman Committee. It is the apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development providing refinance to banks and financial institutions.

India’s food grain production in 2024-25 reached a record 357.73 million tonnes as per final estimates released by Ministry of Agriculture. This is 25.4 million tonnes higher than 332.3 million tonnes in 2023-24. Rice production was 150.18 million tonnes and wheat was 117.94 million tonnes both record highs.

Blue Revolution refers to rapid development of fisheries and aquaculture sector. It aims to increase fish production through intensive aquaculture. Fish production in India reached 184 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) launched in 2020 supports this sector.

PKVY launched in 2015-16 promotes organic farming in clusters of 50 or more hectares. It provides Rs 50000 per hectare for three years for inputs including seeds organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. It aims to improve soil health and produce chemical-free food.

MSP for paddy (common) for Kharif 2024-25 was Rs 2300 per quintal as announced by the Government. MSP has more than doubled from Rs 1080 per quintal in 2008-09 to Rs 2300 in 2024-25. Premium variety paddy (Grade A) gets Rs 2320 per quintal.

PMFBY was launched on 18th February 2016 replacing earlier schemes like NAIS Modified NAIS and Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme. It follows One Nation One Crop One Premium principle. Premium rates are 2% for Kharif 1.5% for Rabi and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops.

The average size of land holding in India is approximately 1.08 hectares as per Agriculture Census 2015-16. About 86% of farmers are small and marginal with holdings less than 2 hectares. Land fragmentation is a major challenge for mechanization and commercial farming.

Millets are known as Shree Anna as popularized by Prime Minister in 2023. The year 2023 was declared International Year of Millets by UN at India’s initiative. Millets include Jowar Bajra Ragi Kangni Kutki and others. They are nutritious climate-resilient and good for soil health.

Per Drop More Crop focuses on promoting micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler) for water use efficiency. Financial assistance of 55% is provided to small and marginal farmers and 45% to other farmers. From 2016-2025 about 95.58 lakh hectares have been covered under micro-irrigation through this scheme.

Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency for procurement storage and distribution of food grains. FCI was established in 1965. State agencies also procure under decentralized procurement scheme. Procured grains form the Central Pool for PDS and buffer stock.

As of December 2024 over 1410 mandis have been integrated with e-NAM portal across 23 States and 4 Union Territories. The platform has 1.79 crore farmers and 2.63 lakh traders registered. Total trade of 11.02 crore MT worth Rs 4.01 lakh crore has been recorded.

The Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s primarily with the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is known as Father of Green Revolution in India. It was initially concentrated in Punjab Haryana and Western UP.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998-99 to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers. It provides short-term credit for crop production and working capital for agriculture and allied activities. The scheme has been extended to cover animal husbandry and fisheries sectors.

HYVP was introduced in 1966-67 during the Fourth Five Year Plan. It focused on five crops – wheat rice jowar bajra and maize. The programme introduced HYV seeds along with chemical fertilizers pesticides and irrigation leading to significant increase in agricultural production.

Under PMFBY the maximum premium payable by farmers is 2% of sum insured for Kharif food and oilseed crops 1.5% for Rabi food and oilseed crops and 5% for annual commercial and horticultural crops. The remaining premium is shared equally by Central and State Governments.

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was launched in July 2020 with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore. It provides medium-long term debt financing for post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. Interest subvention of 3% is provided. The scheme will run till 2032-33.

West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India followed by Uttar Pradesh Punjab and Odisha. However Punjab contributes most to Central Pool rice procurement. Rice is grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons with Kharif contributing about 85% of production.

Punjab contributes maximum to Central Pool of food grains for PDS especially wheat and rice despite not being the largest producer. It has well-developed procurement infrastructure and almost entire marketable surplus is procured at MSP. Punjab’s procurement is often criticized for paddy-wheat monoculture.

FCI was established on 14th January 1965 under Food Corporations Act 1964. Its main objectives are effective price support to farmers through procurement procurement and distribution for PDS and maintaining buffer stock for food security.

India ranks 2nd in the world in production of fruits and vegetables after China. India produces about 340 million tonnes of horticulture produce annually. Major fruits include Mango Banana Papaya Guava Grapes. Maharashtra is largest producer of grapes; UP of vegetables.

As of 2024-25 a record 4.19 crore farmers have been enrolled under PMFBY marking the highest enrollment since inception. This is a 32% increase from 3.17 crore in 2022-23. Since inception 78.4 crore farmer applications have been insured and claims of Rs 1.83 lakh crore have been paid.

India is the world’s largest producer of milk contributing about 24% of global milk production. Milk production in India reached about 230 million tonnes in 2023-24. The dairy sector provides livelihood to about 8 crore farmers. Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk producing state.

Wheat benefited most from the Green Revolution initially. Wheat production increased from 11 million tonnes in 1960-61 to 55 million tonnes by 1990. The success was concentrated in Punjab Haryana and Western UP. Rice revolution came later in the 1980s and 1990s.

NABARD was established on 12th July 1982 by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and ARDC. It was set up based on recommendations of B. Sivaraman Committee (CRAFICARD). NABARD is wholly owned by Government of India since 2019 (earlier RBI had 0.4% share).

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) launched in 2019 aims to solarize agricultural pumps and provide clean energy to farmers. It has three components: setting up solar power plants providing standalone solar pumps and solarizing existing grid-connected pumps.

Agricultural credit flow target for 2024-25 was Rs 22 lakh crore up from Rs 20 lakh crore in 2023-24. The actual credit flow to agriculture has grown from Rs 8.5 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 25.48 lakh crore in 2023-24 exceeding targets consistently. About 76% goes to small and marginal farmers.

Wheat is a Rabi crop sown in October-November and harvested in March-April. It requires cool climate during growth and warm dry weather during ripening. Punjab Haryana UP and MP are major wheat producing states. Rice Cotton and Groundnut are Kharif crops.

About 42-46% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities as per Census and PLFS data. This is much higher than agriculture’s 18% share in GDP indicating low productivity and disguised unemployment. The percentage has gradually declined from about 70% in 1950s.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre) programme functions under ICAR. There are 731 KVKs at district level across the country. KVKs serve as knowledge and resource centres for agricultural technology assessment refinement and demonstration. They provide training to farmers and extension workers.