UPSC Prelims 2017 Q32: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
Consider the following statements:
1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and
tubes.
2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
BIS Standard Mark and AGMARK
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The BIS Standard Mark is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes | Correct | Pneumatic tyres and tubes for automotive vehicles are under compulsory BIS certification (ISI mark) |
| 2. AGMARK is a quality certification mark issued by the FAO | Incorrect | AGMARK is issued by the Government of India, not the Food and Agriculture Organisation |
The two marks compared:
| Feature | BIS Standard Mark (ISI) | AGMARK |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Bureau of Indian Standards | Directorate of Marketing and Inspection |
| Ministry | Consumer Affairs | Agriculture |
| Law | BIS Act, 2016 | Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 |
| Covers | Industrial products | Agricultural products |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Tyres and tubes need the BIS mark; AGMARK is Indian, not from the FAO.
- (b) Incorrect. AGMARK is issued by India's Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, not the FAO.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; the FAO issues no certification mark in India.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true: automotive tyres and tubes need compulsory BIS certification.
Key point
BIS mark is compulsory for automotive tyres and tubes; AGMARK is issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the 1937 Act.
Remember
AGMARK = Government of India (1937 Act), not FAO.
Common mistakes
- Linking AGMARK to the FAO because both deal with agriculture.
- Thinking the BIS mark is always voluntary; it is compulsory for notified products.
- Confusing AGMARK with the FSSAI logo, which is about food safety, not grading.
Exam tip
AG in AGMARK = Agriculture Ministry of India. No UN body issues Indian quality marks.
Sources
- Bureau of Indian Standards — Products under compulsory certification
- Directorate of Marketing and Inspection — Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937