BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions

Soil samples are tested every 2 years under the Soil Health Card scheme to monitor soil nutrient status and provide recommendations.

The Mukhyamantri Beej Anudan Yojana is a Bihar government scheme providing subsidized seeds and agricultural inputs to farmers.

A mini cluster under PMKSY-AIBP requires a minimum coverage area of 50 hectares for irrigation development.

PKVY provides a subsidy of ₹50,000 per hectare over 3 years for conversion to organic farming practices.

Zero Budget Natural Farming promotes traditional farming methods using natural inputs like cow dung, plant residue, and minimal external inputs.

# Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) - Unit Cost of Assistance

The PM-KMY is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers that requires monthly contributions based on age, with the government matching the contribution.

Step 1: Understanding the Scheme Structure

The PM-KMY operates on a matching contribution basis where farmers between 18-40 years contribute a monthly amount, and the Government of India contributes an equal amount to a pension fund.

Step 2: Age-Based Contribution Slabs

For farmers aged 18-40 years, the monthly contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200 per month depending on the exact age. A younger farmer pays lower contributions (₹55 at age 18), while contributions increase gradually with age, reaching ₹200 per month at age 40.

The unit cost of assistance under PM-KMY for age 18-40 is ₹55-₹200 per month.

Answer: (A) ₹55-200 per month

PMKSY focuses on irrigation infrastructure and efficiency through its three main components: Per Drop More Crop, AIBP, and Groundwater Management. Direct Benefit Transfer is not a component of PMKSY.

PMFBY specifically aims to provide crop insurance at affordable premiums (1.5-5.5% depending on crop type) and standardized sum insured across the country.

PMFBY covers food crops (cereals, pulses) and oilseeds. Ornamental plants and flowers are horticulture crops typically not covered under this scheme.

# NMSA Sub-Missions Solution

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is a government initiative in India designed to promote sustainable farming practices through multiple coordinated sub-missions.

Step 1: Understanding NMSA Structure

NMSA was launched by the Government of India to address the challenges of agriculture sustainability by dividing its objectives into distinct operational sub-missions, each focusing on different aspects of agricultural development.

Step 2: The Four Sub-Missions of NMSA

The four main sub-missions are:

1. Soil Health Management (SHM) — focuses on soil testing and nutrient management

2. Precision Farming (PF) — promotes efficient resource use through modern technology

3. Rainfed Area Development (RAD) — develops agriculture in water-scarce regions

4. Krishonnati Yojana — supports crop production enhancement through improved practices

The correct answer is (C) Four.

Uttar Pradesh is the second-largest sugarcane producing state in India after Maharashtra, contributing significantly to the national sugarcane production.

KCC facilitates credit for agricultural production (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), farm maintenance, and agricultural asset acquisition with simplified documentation.

ZBNF aims to reduce farming costs by minimizing external input purchases through on-farm resource management, though it does not eliminate all costs or guarantee specific yields.

The scheme targets both rural and urban populations below the poverty line to ensure universal food security through grain distribution.

The Directorate of Economics and Statistics under the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation publishes 'Agricultural Statistics at a Glance' annually with comprehensive agricultural data.

Intercropping is the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops on the same field to maximize land use and reduce pest incidence. Crop rotation involves sequential planting of different crops.

Drip irrigation reduces fertilizer runoff by delivering water and nutrients directly to plant roots. It conserves water, reduces weeds, and improves yields - making option B the only non-benefit.

Calculation: Pure nitrogen = 50 kg × ($\frac{46}{100}$) = 50 × 0.46 = 23 kg of pure nitrogen per hectare. This is important for meeting nitrogen requirements in rice-wheat cropping systems.

Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) located at Pusa in Bihar is the premier agricultural research institution for the state, conducting research on crops suited to Bihar's agro-climatic conditions.

Iron deficiency chlorosis shows interveinal yellowing (chlorosis) while veins remain green. This is common in alkaline soils and requires iron-chelate application. Other deficiencies show different symptoms.