Question

Consider the following statements about agricultural schemes:
I. PM ASHA is an umbrella scheme to ensure remunerative prices for farmers' produce.
II. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, paddy is the main crop in Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta.
III. The Pasugramam scheme was launched by the Central Government to provide loans through Kisan Credit Cards.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• A. I and II only
• B. II and III only
• C. I and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

A. I and II only

Agricultural Schemes and Their Objectives

Statement I: PM ASHA

• PM ASHA stands for Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan.
• It was launched by the Union Government in 2018.
• The primary objective of PM ASHA is to ensure that farmers receive remunerative prices for their agricultural produce.
• It aims to protect farmers from market price volatility.
• Key components include:
  • Price Support Scheme (PSS)
  • Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
  • Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS)

Statement II: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme launched in 2016.
• It aims to provide financial support to farmers suffering crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
• In the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, paddy is a significant crop.
• Therefore, paddy is often a focus crop under insurance schemes like PMFBY in these regions, ensuring farmers are covered against potential losses.

Statement III: Pasugramam Scheme

• The Pasugramam scheme was a Kerala state government initiative, not a central government scheme.
• It was launched in 2007-08 by the Kerala State government.
• Its objective was to promote dairy farming at the village level and improve the income of rural families.
• It involved providing subsidies and support for setting up dairy units.
• The statement incorrectly attributes it to the Central Government and links it to loans through Kisan Credit Cards, which is not its primary function. Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) are a separate initiative to provide timely and adequate credit to farmers.