UPSC Prelims 2016 Q48: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
With reference to 'Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion',
which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post - harvest technologies,
and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to
millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro - irrigation
equipment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP)
Launched in 2011-12 as part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It aims to demonstrate improved production and post-harvest technologies, and value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach | Correct | This is its stated aim |
| 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme | Correct | Millets are grown mostly by such farmers in dry and hilly areas |
| 3. An important objective is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering free kits of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment | Incorrect | It does not ask farmers to shift from commercial crops; no micro-irrigation equipment is given |
Why millets:
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Rich in iron, calcium and fibre |
| Climate | Need little water; grow in poor soil |
| Recognition | 2023 was the International Year of Millets |
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; it does not push commercial crop farmers to shift.
- (c) CORRECT. It demonstrates technologies in clusters and mainly helps poor and tribal farmers.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; no free micro-irrigation equipment is offered.
Key point
INSIMP (2011-12, under RKVY): cluster demonstrations of millet production, post-harvest and value addition; mainly for small, marginal and tribal farmers.
Remember
INSIMP = millet demonstrations for small and tribal farmers.
Common mistakes
- Accepting statement 3 because free input kits sound plausible.
- Forgetting that millets need little irrigation, so micro-irrigation is not the focus.
- Thinking the scheme targets commercial crop farmers.
Exam tip
A long statement with one odd detail (here, micro-irrigation equipment) is usually the false one.
Sources
- Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare — INSIMP operational guidelines (2011)
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana — Sub-schemes