UPSC Prelims 2015 Q62: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Consider the following statements:
1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996 - 97 to provide loan
assistance to poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974 - 75 for the development of
water - use efficiency.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Two irrigation programmes
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers | Incorrect | The year is right, but the loan assistance went to States, to finish incomplete irrigation projects |
| 2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency | Correct | It closes the gap between irrigation potential created and used |
The two programmes compared:
| Feature | AIBP | Command Area Development |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1996-97 | 1974-75 |
| Helps | State Governments | Farmers in the command area |
| Work | Complete major and medium projects | Field channels, land levelling, water-use efficiency |
| Now part of | PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana | PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The programme gave loans to States, not to poor farmers.
- (b) CORRECT. The Command Area Development Programme began in 1974-75 for water-use efficiency.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; the help was for State irrigation projects.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true as written.
Key point
AIBP (1996-97): central loan assistance to States for incomplete irrigation projects. Command Area Development (1974-75): water-use efficiency. Both now under PMKSY.
Remember
AIBP helps States, not farmers directly.
Common mistakes
- Accepting statement 1 because the year is right; the beneficiary is wrong.
- Confusing the two programmes' start years.
- Forgetting that both were merged into PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in 2015.
Exam tip
Check both halves of a statement: right year, wrong beneficiary is still wrong.
Sources
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme guidelines
- Ministry of Jal Shakti — Command Area Development and Water Management Programme