Mod 5: Farmer Welfare Schemes, Research Institutions and Minor Minerals
4B.5.1 Farmer welfare schemes, land records and reform needs
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- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Date and describe central and UP/MP schemes for farmers.
- Know NLRMP → DILRMP.
- Know the Kisan Call Centre.
- Judge an Assertion–Reason on agricultural reform.
A farmer in Barabanki needs advice on a pest at 9 pm. Whom can he call free?
Show answer
The Kisan Call Centre (1800-180-1551), started by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 21 January 2004.
Many state PCS questions are just “which year?”.
📌 Solves: Q98, Q109, Q110, Q177, Q190, Q251
Flip and say the answer before you read it.
Krishi Shramik Samajik Suraksha Yojana
UPDASP
Suraj Dhara (MP)
Krishak Samridhi Aayog (UP)
UPA package 2004
DILRMP
📌 Solves: Q181, Q183, Q252
Both statements are true. Does R explain A?
📌 Solves: Q58
Records of rights, cadastral maps, registration — linked so land titles are clear and searchable.
1 markKisan Bahi Yojana started in UP in?
1992.
2 marksWhat did the Krishi Shramik Samajik Suraksha Yojana provide?
Pension and insurance to farm workers.
PYQ patternNLRMP was launched in: (a) 2008 (b) 2009 (c) 2010 (d) 2011
(a).
PrelimsWho sponsored the UP Diversified Agriculture Support Project?
World Bank.
Q109 · Q252 · Q98 · Q110 · Q177 · Q183 · Q181 · Q190 · Q58 · Q251
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Ask a farmer whether he has a Kisan Bahi or a digital land record (khatauni).
- I can date SFDA, Kisan Bahi, KSSSY, KCC (call centre), NLRMP.
- I know UPDASP, Suraj Dhara, Krishak Samridhi Aayog.
- SFDA 1971; Kisan Bahi 1992 (UP).
- KSSSY 1 July 2001: pension + insurance.
- Kisan Call Centre 21 Jan 2004 (MoA&FW).
- NLRMP 2008 → DILRMP.
- Krishak Samridhi Aayog UP Nov 2017.
- DA&FW; Department of Land Resources (DILRMP).
- UP Agriculture Department; MP Kisan Kalyan Vibhag.
- SFDA 1971; Kisan Bahi Yojana (UP) 1992.
- Krishi Shramik Samajik Suraksha Yojana: 1 July 2001.
- Kisan Call Centre: 21 Jan 2004, Ministry of Agriculture.
- NLRMP 2008 (now DILRMP).
- Question: Kisan Call Centre started by? Answer: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2004).
- Question: UPDASP was sponsored by? Answer: World Bank.
- Question: Suraj Dhara Yojana relates to? Answer: Seed exchange.
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q109 · U.P. U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001
Krishi Shramik Samajik Suraksha Yojna provides -
Started 1 July 2001: life insurance, periodic lump sum, pension for agricultural workers.
PYQ · Q252 · U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2004
The New Package for Agriculture announced by the UPA Government does not provide:
No loan waiver/concession mentioned.
PYQ · Q98 · U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2010
Kissan Bahi Yojana was started in Uttar Pradesh in:
1992.
PYQ · Q110 · U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2014
'Small Farmers Development Programme' was started in the year:
The book marks this (*): none of the printed years is right. The Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA) programme began in 1971. This option has been added so the question can be answered. SFDA started 1971 (none of the options).
PYQ · Q177 · U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
In which of the following year National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was launched?
Now DILRMP.
PYQ · Q183 · Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2016
Suraj Dhara Yojana is:
MP: certified seeds for SC/ST farmers; seed exchange.
PYQ · Q181 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021
'Uttar Pradesh Diversified Agriculture Support Project' (UPDASP) was sponsored in Uttar Pradesh by:
Phase-I 23 Sep 1998 - 31.03.2004 World Bank; Phase-II 27.11.2007 state fund then RKVY, completed 31.03.2013.
PYQ · Q190 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2021
'Krishak Samridhi Aayog' was established in Uttar Pradesh in which of the following year?
Nov 2017; CM chairman; doubling income by 2022.
PYQ · Q58 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2023
Assertion (A): Significant technical and institutional reforms in Indian agriculture are required to feed the growing population. Reason (R): A significant number of farmers in many parts of India still rely on monsoon rains and natural soil fertility for agriculture.
Both true; reforms needed because of population/research underfunding; R not the explanation.
PYQ · Q251 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2023
'Kisan Call Centre' was started by ____.
21 January 2004.
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
Kisan Call Centre started by?
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2004).UPDASP was sponsored by?
World Bank.Suraj Dhara Yojana relates to?
Seed exchange.4B.5.2 Agricultural research and education institutions
🏫 School → 🇮🇳 UPSC · NCERT-linked · latest official data
- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Match institutes to cities.
- Order ICAR projects in time.
- Know KVKs and the first agricultural university.
Which city would you visit to see India’s vegetable research institute, and which for food technology?
Show answer
Vegetables: Varanasi (IIVR). Food technology: Mysuru (CFTRI).
Learn this table as pairs.
| Institute | Place | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) | Varanasi | Bred Kashi Lalima okra |
| Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) | Mysuru | 1950, CSIR |
| National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) | Hyderabad | 1976 |
| Indian Grassland & Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) | Jhansi | 1962; renamed 1965 |
| UP Council of Agricultural Research (UPCAR) | Lucknow | 1989 |
| International Potato Centre (CIP) | Lima, Peru | 1971; South Asia centre at Singna, Agra |
| Handbook of Agriculture | Published by ICAR | |
| G.B. Pant Univ. of Agriculture & Tech. | Pantnagar | First agri university, 17 Nov 1960 (Nehru); renamed 1972 |
- IIVR
- CFTRI
- NAARM
- IGFRI
IIVR – Varanasi, CFTRI – Mysuru, NAARM – Hyderabad, IGFRI – Jhansi.
📌 Solves: Q188, Q189, Q197, Q200, Q201, Q202, Q203, Q204
Four projects, four decades.
📌 Solves: Q159, Q160, Q198, Q199
Tests and demonstrates technology on farmers’ fields, trains farmers, and supplies seeds and planting material — part of the National Agricultural Research System.
1 markWhere is IIVR?
Varanasi.
2 marksWho funded NATP?
World Bank (with ICAR and MoA), 1998.
PYQ patternFirst agricultural university was at: (a) Pantnagar (b) Ludhiana (c) Jabalpur (d) Kanpur
(a).
PrelimsHQ of International Potato Centre?
Lima, Peru.
Q159 · Q189 · Q188 · Q197 · Q201 · Q202 · Q203 · Q200 · Q199 · Q160 · Q204 · Q198
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Find your district’s KVK and one technology it demonstrates.
- I can match eight institutes to places.
- I can order KVK, Lab to Land, NATP, NAIP.
- IIVR Varanasi; CFTRI Mysuru; NAARM Hyderabad; IGFRI Jhansi; UPCAR Lucknow; CIP Lima.
- KVK 1974 → Lab to Land 1979 → NATP 1998 → NAIP 2006.
- Pantnagar: first agri university (1960).
- 731 KVKs (April 2026).
- ICAR and KVK Knowledge Network websites.
- Institute websites (IIVR, CFTRI, NAARM, IGFRI, CIP).
- IIVR Varanasi; CFTRI Mysuru; NAARM Hyderabad; IGFRI Jhansi.
- First KVK: 1974, Puducherry; 731 KVKs (April 2026).
- NATP 1998 funded by World Bank.
- First agri university: Pantnagar (1960).
- Question: First Krishi Vigyan Kendra established in? Answer: 1974 (Puducherry).
- Question: Handbook of Agriculture published by? Answer: ICAR.
- Question: Headquarters of CIP? Answer: Lima, Peru.
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q159 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2002
National Agriculture Technology Project (NATP) is funded in India by:
ICAR + MoA 1998.
PYQ · Q189 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004
U.P. Council of Agricultural Research is located at -
Est. 1989.
PYQ · Q188 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Handbook of Agriculture is published from:
PYQ · Q197 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
First Agricultural University in India was established at:
Inaugurated 1960 (17 Nov, Nehru) as UP Agricultural University; renamed 1972 GBPUAT.
PYQ · Q201 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Central Food Technological Research Institute is located at:
CFTRI Mysuru, 1950.
PYQ · Q202 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) is located at:
1976.
PYQ · Q203 · U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012
Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute is located at:
1962; renamed 1965.
PYQ · Q200 · U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015
Indian Institute of Vegetable Research is located at -
PYQ · Q199 · U.P. R.O. / A.R.O. (Mains) 2016
Arrange the following ICAR technological projects in chronological order of starting: I. National Agricultural Innovation Project II. Krishi Vigyan Kendra III. National Agricultural Technology Project IV. Lab to Land Programme
KVK 1974; Lab to Land 1979; NATP 1998; NAIP 2006.
PYQ · Q160 · U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2017
First Krishi Vigyan Kendra in India was established in the year:
1974 Puducherry; 731 KVKs (April 2026).
PYQ · Q204 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021
Headquarters of International Potato Centre (CIP) is situated in:
Founded 1971; CSARC at Singna, Agra.
PYQ · Q198 · U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2023
Which of the following statement/s is/are correct? I. First Agricultural University was established at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (erstwhile part of Uttar Pradesh) in 1960. II. During 1901-1905, six agricultural colleges were established at Kanpur, Pune, Sabour, Nagpur, Lyallpur and Coimbatore.
Several colleges after 1905 (Pune 1908, Lyallpur 1906, Kanpur 1906).
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
First Krishi Vigyan Kendra established in?
1974 (Puducherry).Handbook of Agriculture published by?
ICAR.Headquarters of CIP?
Lima, Peru.4B.5.3 Minor minerals, District Mineral Foundations and critical minerals
🏫 School → 🇮🇳 UPSC · NCERT-linked · latest official data
- School
- Class 10+2
- BPSC
- UPSC
- Define minor minerals under the MMDR Act.
- Separate Centre’s and States’ powers.
- Explain District Mineral Foundations.
- Know the 2023 amendment and the Minerals Security Partnership.
A truck carries sand from a riverbed. Who gives the lease — Delhi or the State capital?
Show answer
The State Government. Ordinary sand is a minor mineral, and States both make the rules and grant leases for minor minerals.
Section numbers are the key to all four PYQs.
| Section | What it says | Who |
|---|---|---|
| 3(e) | “Minor minerals” = building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand (other than for prescribed uses) and any mineral the Centre notifies | Centre notifies |
| 15 | Rules for quarry leases, mining leases and other concessions for minor minerals | States make rules |
| 23C | Rules to prevent illegal mining, transport and storage | States |
📌 Solves: Q255, Q257
CheckQuick check: Is ordinary sand a minor mineral?
Yes, under Section 3(e).
Mining hurts people nearby; DMF gives some money back to them.
📌 Solves: Q256
Lithium, cobalt, rare earths — the new oil.
| Statement | ✔/✘ |
|---|---|
| India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) as a member | ✔ (joined June 2023) |
| India is resource-rich in all 30 critical minerals it identified | ✘ — fully or highly import-dependent for several (lithium, cobalt, nickel…) |
| MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 lets the Centre exclusively auction mining leases and composite licences for certain critical minerals | ✔ |
📌 Solves: Q258
The source book places land and natural-resource questions here; sand mining and DMF also affect rural livelihoods.
1 markName two minor minerals.
Ordinary sand, gravel (building stone, ordinary clay).
2 marksWhat is a District Mineral Foundation?
A trust for the welfare of people and areas affected by mining, funded by miners.
StatementStates can frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals. True?
True (Section 23C).
PrelimsUnder which section does the Centre notify minor minerals?
Section 3(e), MMDR Act 1957.
Q256 · Q255 · Q257 · Q258
Arranged in chronological order of exam year in the Questions panel →
- Find whether your district has a DMF and one project it funded.
- I know Sections 3(e), 15 and 23C.
- I know the DMF’s purpose.
- I know India joined MSP and the 2023 amendment.
- Minor minerals: notified by Centre (3e).
- States: lease rules (15) and anti-illegal-mining rules (23C).
- DMF (2015): welfare of mining-affected people.
- MMDR Amendment 2023: Centre auctions certain critical minerals.
- India in Minerals Security Partnership (2023).
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (as amended 2015, 2023).
- Ministry of Mines — DMF notification (16 Sept 2015); Critical Minerals list (2023).
- Ordinary sand is a minor mineral (Sec 3(e)).
- States frame minor-mineral rules (Sec 15) and anti-illegal-mining rules (Sec 23C).
- DMF protects persons affected by mining.
- MMDR Amendment 2023: Centre auctions critical minerals.
- Question: Who makes rules for grant of minor-mineral leases? Answer: State Governments.
- Question: Purpose of DMF? Answer: Welfare of persons and areas affected by mining.
- Question: Did India join the Minerals Security Partnership? Answer: Yes (2023).
MCQs — previous-year questions in exam-year order
Answer this question, then use Next.
PYQ · Q256 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2016
What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India? 1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts. 2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations. 3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration.
DMF: non-profit trust funded by miners; MMDR Amendment 2015; notification 16 Sept 2015.
PYQ · Q255 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2019
With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: 1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country. 2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government. 3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
MMDR Act 1957: Sec 3(e) minor minerals (ordinary sand etc., Centre may notify more); Sec 15 State rules; Sec 23C State rules against illegal mining.
PYQ · Q257 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2025
Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction of minor minerals even though such minerals are located in their territories. Statement II: In India, the Central Government has the power to notify minor minerals under the relevant law.
Sec 15(1) and Sec 3(e).
PYQ · Q258 · I.A.S. (Pre) 2025
Consider the following statements: I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member. II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified. III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
MSP member (2023); 100%/high import dependence for several critical minerals; MMDR Amendment 2023.
Practice · latest data
Under the MMDR Act, 1957, the power to declare “any other mineral” as a minor mineral lies with:
Section 3(e): the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare any other mineral to be a minor mineral.
Practice · latest data
District Mineral Foundations are funded mainly by:
Miners pay a share linked to royalty into the DMF of the district.
One-liners
Write your answer, then submit to see the correct answer.
Who makes rules for grant of minor-mineral leases?
State Governments.Purpose of DMF?
Welfare of persons and areas affected by mining.Did India join the Minerals Security Partnership?
Yes (2023).