Agriculture and Allied Sectors (Part

51. Which of the following States started E-ration Card Service in first time ? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021]

(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Delhi

Correct Answer: (d) Delhi

Solution:In March 2015, Delhi became the first State in the country to launch on E-ration Card Service. E-ration cards, also known as digital ration cards, are electronic versions of traditional ration cards used for subsidized food distribution in India. They are designed to streamline the process of accessing foodgrains and ensure transparency in the Public Distribution System (PDS). The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, which allows portability of ration cards across states, also utilizes e-ration cards.

52. Consider the following statements : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]

1. The food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

2. The food Safety and Standards of Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Service in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statement given above is /are correct ?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Solution:The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 consolidated various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments. Various cen- tral acts and orders like Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, Fruit Products Order, 1955, Meat Food Products Order, 1973, Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947 etc. were repealed after commencement of FSS Act, 2006, Hence, statement I is correct.

Statement 2 is incorrect because the Chairperson of FSSAI is appointed by the Government of India. While FSSAI acts under the administrative control of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it has an independent Chairperson. enjoying rank of Secretary to Government of India. It is not under the charge of Director General of Health Services.

53. Which of the following is not an objective of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Distribution of high yeilding variety seeds
(b) Demonstration of improved production technology
(c) Strengthening credit facilities
(d) Popularising newly released variety of crops

Correct Answer: (c) Strengthening credit facilities

Solution:The National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in October 2007.

The main objectives of this mission are:

(1) To increase production of rice, wheat, pulses and coarse cereals through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner in the identified districts of the country;

(2) Restoring soil productivity and fertility at individual farm level; and

(3) Enhancing farm level economy (i.e. farm profits) to restore confidence among farmers.

Distribution of high yielding variety seeds, demonstration of improved production technology and popularising newly released variety of crops are parts of NFSM's objectives and strategies while strengthening credit facilities is not an objective of NFSM.

54. Which of the following crops is not covered under the National Food Security Mission ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]

(a) Pulses
(b) Rice
(c) Wheat
(d) Coarse Cereals

Correct Answer: (d) Coarse Cereals

Solution:National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in October, 2007 (from Rabi 2007-08 season) as a centrally spon sored scheme to increase the annual production of rice by 10 million tons, wheat by 8 million tons and pulses by 2 million tons (Total 20 million tons of additional foodgrains) by the end of the 11th Plan (2011-12). At that time NFSM did not comprise coarse cereals and hence option (d) was the right answer for the question period. Coarse cereals were included from 2014-15 under NFSM.

NFSM continued during 12th Five Year Plan with new targets of additional production of 25 million tons of foodgrains comprising 10 million tons of rice, 8 million tons of wheat, 4 million tons of pulses and 3 million tons of coarse cereals by the end of 12th Plan. Commercial crops (viz. cotton, jute and sugarcane) were also included under NFSM's ambit.

Based on past experience and performance of 12th Plan, the NFSM is being continued beyond 12th Plan with new targets to achieve 13 million tons of additional foodgrains production comprising 5 million tons of rice, 3 million tons of wheat, 3 million tons of pulses and 2 million tons of nutri-cum-coarse
cereals by 2019-20. Thereafter, the year-wise target of production under NFSM have been fixed on annual basis.

From the year 2018-19 and 2019-20, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oilpalm (NMOOP) and Seed Village Programme are now a part of NFSM and thus NFSM now have 8 components viz. (1) NFSM-Rice; (ii) NFSM-Wheat; (iii) NFSM- Pulses; (iv) NFSM-Coarse Cereals (Maize, Barley); (v) NFSM- Sub Mission on Nutri-Cereals; (vi) NFSM-Commercial crops: (vii) NFSM-Oilseeds and Oilpalm; and (viii) NFSM-Seed Village Programme.

55. National Food Security Food Mission in India has become effective with effect from : [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2008]

(a) Rabi Season 2007-08
(b) Kharif Season 2007-08
(c) Rabi Season 2005-06
(d) Kharif Season 2006-07

Correct Answer: (a) Rabi Season 2007-08

Solution:National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was launched in October, 2007 (from Rabi 2007-08 season) as a centrally spon sored scheme to increase the annual production of rice by 10 million tons, wheat by 8 million tons and pulses by 2 million tons (Total 20 million tons of additional foodgrains) by the end of the 11th Plan (2011-12). At that time NFSM did not comprise coarse cereals and hence option (d) was the right answer for the question period. Coarse cereals were included from 2014-15 under NFSM.