UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

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.
   
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

• The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was launched in 1996 as a central assistance programme and is currently implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.  AIBP was initiated with the aim of accelerating the implementation of irrigation projects that exceed the resource capabilities of States. So, statement 1 is not correct
  
  

• The Command Area Development Programme is an integrated area development approach towards the command areas of major and medium irrigation projects in the country. The programme is aimed at bridging the gap between created irrigation potential and its utilization in the command area.
  
  

• The program was launched as a Centrally-sponsored scheme in 1974-75 with the main objectives of improving the utilization of irrigation potential and optimizing agricultural productivity and production from the irrigated areas by integrating all functions related with irrigated agriculture. So statement 2 is correct
  
  

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Subject: Economics | Agriculture and Food Management