How long has the Union Ministry of Agriculture revised the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) guidelines to provide 40-100% subsidy?

June 2022

October 2022

January 2023

March 2023

Correct Answer : March 2023

Union Agriculture Ministry has amended the guidelines of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) to provide 40-100% subsidy until "March 2023" in purchasing drones for farm mechanization. After the amendment, a grant for the purchase of drones up to 100% of the cost of agriculture drones or Rs 10 lakhs, whichever is less, can be given.

The detail of percent and maximum amount of subsidy is given below :

* Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agriculture Universities- 100% subsidy- Rs 10 lakh maximum

* Agriculture graduates establishing Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) = 50% subsidy up to Rs 5 lakh Existing CHCs or new ones, already or to be set up by a cooperative society of farmers, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) and rural entrepreneurs are entitled to receive = 40% subsidy (maximum Rs 4 lakh).

Published On : January 24, 2022

Recent Updates in Agriculture - General Knowledge Questions

Q .

What is the new collateral-free agricultural loan limit set by RBI?

Rs. 1 Lakh

Rs. 1.5 Lakh

Rs. 2 Lakh

Rs. 3 Lakh

Correct Answer : Rs. 2 Lakh

* The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the collateral-free agricultural loan limit from ?1.6 lakh to ?2 lakh, effective January 1, 2025.

* This initiative is aimed at benefiting farmers and allied activities by reducing borrowing costs and improving credit access, especially for small and marginal farmers.

* The increase in loan limits also enhances the uptake of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, allowing farmers to avail loans up to ?3 lakh at a 4% effective interest rate. This move supports agricultural growth and financial inclusion.

Published On : December 15, 2024

Category : Agriculture

Q .

Which system introduced by NIFTEM-K helps reduce post-harvest losses in perishable food transportation using solar power and IoT technology?

SURAKSHA system

PRADHAN system

PARIVARTAN system

SARTHI system

Correct Answer : SARTHI system

The SARTHI system (Solar Assisted Reefer Transportation with Hybrid Controls and Intelligence) was introduced by NIFTEM-K to address the challenge of post-harvest losses in transporting perishable foods.

By integrating IoT and real-time monitoring, SARTHI ensures optimal storage conditions for fruits and vegetables using sensors for temperature, humidity, and gas levels.

Its solar-powered air-handling unit regulates temperatures when stationary, reducing spoilage and energy use.

The system allows transporters to track and adjust conditions through a mobile app, improving shelf life and reducing both wastage and carbon footprints.

Published On : October 20, 2024

Category : Agriculture

Q .

Which rice variety is being promoted by the government as a viable alternative to Pusa-44 to address the issue of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana?

Pusa-1500

Pusa-2100

Pusa-2090

Pusa-44 Plus

Correct Answer : Pusa-2090

Pusa-2090 is a new rice variety identified as a suitable replacement for Pusa-44 due to its similar yield potential and earlier harvest timing.

This variety can be harvested in early to mid-October, eliminating the need for stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution.

By promoting Pusa-2090, the government aims to reduce environmental degradation and conserve groundwater, addressing concerns associated with Pusa-44, which has been linked to increased stubble burning and groundwater depletion in Punjab.

Published On : October 3, 2024

Category : Agriculture