Relevance: TGPSC Paper-V – Science & Technology
For Prelims:
- Nexon Geochem, Giredmet, Rosatom, Rare Earth Elements, NdFeB Magnets, Neodymium-Iron-Boron, Permanent Magnets, Sintered Magnets, Rare Earth Oxides, Critical Minerals, Electric Vehicles, Wind Turbines
For Mains:
- Critical mineral security, rare earth supply chain, technology transfer, Atmanirbhar Bharat, clean energy manufacturing, EV ecosystem, renewable energy supply chains, India–Russia technological cooperation
Why in News?
Hyderabad-based Nexon Geochem has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry, known as Giredmet, for joint research and development in rare and rare-earth metal processing and NdFeB rare-earth permanent magnet technologies. The partnership aims to establish an integrated rare earth oxide-to-magnet manufacturing platform in India, beginning with a scalable sintered NdFeB permanent magnet facility in Hyderabad.
What are NdFeB Permanent Magnets?
- NdFeB magnets refer to Neodymium-Iron-Boron rare earth permanent magnets. They are among the strongest commercially available permanent magnets.
- These magnets are called “permanent” because they retain their magnetic properties for a long period without requiring continuous electric current.
- NdFeB magnets are important because they provide high magnetic strength in compact size. This makes them essential for advanced clean energy and mobility technologies.
They are used in:
- Electric vehicle motors
- Hybrid electric vehicle propulsion systems
- Wind turbine generators
- Offshore wind turbines
- Electronics
- Industrial automation
- Defence and strategic technologies
About Nexon Geochem–Giredmet Partnership
- Nexon Geochem is an advanced materials company based in Hyderabad. It aims to create a full-cycle platform from rare earth oxide inputs to finished magnet production.
- The company has signed an MoU with Giredmet, Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry.
- Giredmet is part of Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia. It has nearly a century of expertise in rare metals research, high-purity separation, processing technologies and advanced material systems.
The MoU covers:
- Joint R&D in deep-processing technologies for rare and rare-earth metal raw materials
- Development of NdFeB rare-earth permanent magnet technologies
- High-purity rare earth metals and compounds
- Finished materials for electronics, chemical and nuclear industries
- Analytical control methodologies
- Scaling technologies from laboratory to pilot production
- Joint academic and educational programmes
- As an immediate goal, Nexon Geochem plans to set up a sintered NdFeB permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Hyderabad.
- The company is targeting 1,200 mtpa production capacity of NdFeB permanent magnets by FY33.
Why Permanent Magnets are Strategically Important
Rare earth permanent magnets are not ordinary industrial inputs. They are strategic materials for the clean energy and digital economy.
1. Electric Mobility
Electric vehicles require high-performance motors. NdFeB magnets are used in electric synchronous traction motors for battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
2. Renewable Energy
Permanent magnets are key components in direct-drive generators used in wind turbines, especially offshore wind turbines.
3. Semiconductor and Electronics Ecosystem
Rare earth materials support several electronics and precision technology applications.
4. Strategic Supply Chains
Countries are trying to reduce dependence on concentrated global supply chains for rare earths and magnets.
5. Clean Energy Transition
Without reliable access to permanent magnets, growth in EVs, wind energy and advanced manufacturing can face supply bottlenecks.
India’s Demand and Market Potential
- India’s demand for rare earth permanent magnets is increasing due to EV adoption and renewable energy deployment.
| Indicator | 2026 | 2031 Projection |
| Domestic consumption of permanent magnets | 7,500 mtpa | 12,500 mtpa |
| Market size | ₹5,625 crore | ₹20,625 crore |
| Average price | ₹7,500 per kg | ₹16,500 per kg |
| Growth rate | 30% CAGR | 18% CAGR |
Significance of the MoU
1. Strengthening Critical Minerals Value Chain
The partnership can help India move from raw material dependence to value-added manufacturing in rare earth magnets.
2. Reducing Import Dependence
India currently depends heavily on imported high-performance permanent magnets. Domestic production can reduce vulnerability.
3. Supporting EV and Renewable Energy Sectors
NdFeB magnets are essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines. Local production can support India’s clean energy targets.
4. Boosting Hyderabad’s Advanced Manufacturing Profile
The proposed facility in Hyderabad can position Telangana as a hub for rare earth materials and advanced manufacturing.
5. India–Russia Technology Cooperation
The MoU reflects India–Russia cooperation beyond defence and energy into critical minerals and advanced materials.
6. Moving Towards Technological Sovereignty
The collaboration aims to build indigenous capability in rare earth processing, magnet production and material science.
Conclusion
The Nexon Geochem–Giredmet MoU is significant because rare earth permanent magnets are becoming critical to the future of clean energy, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing. By aiming to build an integrated rare earth oxide-to-magnet platform in Hyderabad, the partnership can help India reduce import dependence and strengthen its critical minerals value chain. If implemented effectively, it can support Atmanirbhar Bharat, energy transition, EV manufacturing and India’s long-term technological self-reliance.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding NdFeB permanent magnets:
- They are used in EV traction motors.
- They are used in direct-drive wind turbines.
- They require rare earth inputs.
- India is already self-sufficient in NdFeB magnets.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: NdFeB magnets are used in electric vehicle traction motors.
Statement 2 is correct: They are used in permanent magnet synchronous generators, especially in wind turbines.
Statement 3 is correct: NdFeB magnets require rare earth inputs such as neodymium.
Statement 4 is incorrect: India is not yet self-sufficient in high-performance NdFeB magnets. The Nexon Geochem–Giredmet partnership aims to reduce import dependence by building a domestic oxide-to-magnet manufacturing platform.
FAQs
Q. What are NdFeB magnets?
They are Neodymium-Iron-Boron rare earth permanent magnets used in EV motors, wind turbines and electronics.
Q. Who signed the MoU?
Hyderabad-based Nexon Geochem signed the MoU with Russia’s Giredmet.
Q. Where is Nexon Geochem planning a magnet facility?
It plans to set up a sintered NdFeB permanent magnet facility in Hyderabad.
Q. Why are rare earth magnets important?
They are critical for electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics and clean energy technologies.
Q. What is the expected Indian market size by 2031?
India’s permanent magnet market is expected to reach around ₹20,625 crore by 2031.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper III: Energy Security, Renewable Energy, Biofuels, Agriculture, Environment
For Prelims:
- Biogas, Compressed Biogas, CBG, SATAT, GOBARdhan, Anaerobic Digestion, CNG, Strait of Hormuz, National Biofuels Coordination Committee, CBG Blending Obligation, Ethanol Blending Programme
For Mains:
- Energy security, import dependence, waste-to-wealth, biofuel economy, rural incomes, crop diversification, food security, clean energy transition, circular economy
Why in News?
India’s search for alternative fuels has gained importance due to continuing tensions in West Asia and risks to global energy supplies. India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil needs, while around 90% of its LPG imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. In this context, compressed biogas is being seen as a domestic, renewable and waste-based fuel that can reduce import dependence, support rural incomes and improve energy security.
What is Biogas and Compressed Biogas?
- Biogas is a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide and small quantities of other gases. It is produced through anaerobic digestion, where organic matter is broken down in the absence of oxygen.
Sources of biogas include:
- Agricultural waste
- Cattle dung
- Municipal solid waste
- Food waste
- Sewage sludge
- Industrial organic waste
- Biogas can be processed and compressed to produce Compressed Biogas. CBG is similar to Compressed Natural Gas in use and can be used as a clean fuel for transport, cooking, heating and electricity generation.
- It is considered renewable because it is produced from organic waste. It can also support a circular economy by converting waste into energy.
Why India Needs Alternative Fuels
India remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.
- India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil needs.
- Much of its crude oil supply is linked to West Asia.
- Around 90% of India’s LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Any conflict or instability in the region can affect prices, supplies and domestic energy security.
- Therefore, India has been trying to promote alternative fuels such as ethanol, compressed biogas, green hydrogen and electric mobility.
- CBG is important because it can be produced domestically from waste and can partially replace imported natural gas and petroleum-based fuels.
Government Initiatives to Promote CBG
SATAT Initiative
- The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation initiative was launched in 2018.
- Its target was to establish 5,000 CBG plants by 2023.
- However, progress has remained limited. As of June 3, 2026, only 132 plants had been completed.
GOBARdhan Scheme
The Centre also launched the GOBARdhan scheme, or Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan, to promote the waste-to-wealth model.
Under this scheme:
- Grants of up to ₹50 lakh per district were offered for community biogas plants.
- ₹564 crore was earmarked for biomass collection machinery.
- ₹994 crore was allocated to build pipelines connecting biogas plants directly to the gas grid.
These initiatives aim to increase CBG production, manage waste and provide additional income opportunities in rural areas.
Why Progress Has Been Slow
Despite policy support, India’s CBG sector has not expanded at the expected pace.
Major reasons include:
- Lack of collection and transport infrastructure for biomass
- Poor private investment
- Difficulty in accessing formal credit
- High upfront cost of technology
- Limited pipeline connectivity
- Uncertain long-term revenue for project developers
- Weak local-level waste aggregation systems
Financial support from the government can make CBG projects more viable. Incentives such as accelerated depreciation, tax holidays and assured offtake arrangements can attract private players.
Global Experience and Lessons
Biogas development has been uneven across the world. Europe, China and the United States account for around 90% of global production.
Germany’s Experience
- Germany is one of Europe’s largest biogas producers. Its growth was supported by the Renewable Energy Sources Act, 2000, which provided incentives and income support to producers.
- However, Germany’s biogas push also led to a problem. Maize became highly profitable as a feedstock, leading to a sharp rise in maize cultivation. This reduced crop diversity and replaced some food crops. Later, the government had to impose limits on the use of maize in biogas plants.
Denmark’s Experience
Denmark offers a more balanced model. It is targeting the use of only biomethane in its gas system by 2030.
Unlike Germany, Denmark discouraged the use of food crops as feedstock. Its main sources are:
- Livestock manure
- Agricultural waste
- Organic residues
This model is more suitable for India because it protects food security while promoting clean energy.
Impact on Cropping Patterns
- India must be careful that biofuel policies do not distort cropping patterns.
- The Economic Survey 2026 noted that maize cultivation in India has increased sharply. National maize yield rose from about 2.56 tonnes per hectare in FY16 to around 3.78 tonnes per hectare in FY25.
At the same time, yields of crops such as:
- Soybean
- Sunflower
- Rapeseed
- Peanuts
- Millets
have either stagnated or declined.
- One reason could be ethanol pricing. The government fixes administered ethanol prices based on feedstock. Maize-based ethanol has received higher pricing support, making maize more attractive for farmers.
- Between FY22 and FY25, the administered price of maize-based ethanol grew at a CAGR of 11.7%.
- This can create a risk. If farmers shift too much land towards maize, India may become more dependent on imports of pulses and edible oils, increasing food price vulnerability.
- Therefore, CBG policy must focus more on waste, manure and agricultural residues, rather than encouraging excessive use of food crops.
CBG Blending Obligation
In 2023, the National Biofuels Coordination Committee approved a mandatory blending obligation for CBG.
Gas distributors have been mandated to blend CBG into their supply from FY26.
The blending target will:
- Start at 1% in FY26
- Rise gradually to 5% by FY29
The blending will apply to:
- CNG for transport
- Piped Natural Gas for domestic use
This is similar in spirit to India’s ethanol blending programme. India increased ethanol blending in petrol from 1.5% in 2014 to 20% by December 2025, achieving the target five years ahead of the original 2030 deadline.
The question is whether India can replicate this success in the CBG sector.
Significance of Biogas for India
1. Energy Security
CBG can reduce India’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve resilience against global energy shocks.
2. Waste Management
It converts organic waste, cattle dung and agricultural residues into useful energy.
3. Rural Income
Farmers can earn additional income by supplying biomass, manure and crop residues.
4. Climate Benefits
CBG can reduce methane emissions from unmanaged organic waste and support India’s climate commitments.
5. Import Substitution
CBG can partially substitute imported natural gas, crude oil and LPG-based energy use.
6. Circular Economy
It creates value from waste and produces by-products such as fermented organic manure.
Challenges
- SATAT progress has been slow, with only 132 plants completed against a target of 5,000.
- High capital cost affects project viability.
- Biomass collection and aggregation are difficult.
- Formal credit access remains weak.
- Pipeline and grid connectivity are limited.
- Excessive use of food crops as feedstock can affect crop diversity.
- Private investors need clearer revenue assurance and long-term offtake support.
- Municipal waste segregation remains weak in many areas.
Way Forward
- Provide stronger financial support for CBG plants.
- Offer tax holidays and accelerated depreciation to attract private investment.
- Develop biomass collection and storage infrastructure.
- Prioritise feedstock from livestock manure, agricultural waste and municipal organic waste.
- Avoid excessive dependence on food crops such as maize.
- Ensure assured offtake and stable pricing for CBG producers.
- Strengthen pipeline connectivity between CBG plants and gas grids.
- Promote decentralised biogas plants in rural and peri-urban areas.
- Link CBG policy with waste management, farmer income and climate goals.
Conclusion
Compressed biogas can support India’s energy security by reducing import dependence, managing waste and creating rural income opportunities. However, the sector has not yet achieved its full potential due to weak infrastructure, high costs, limited credit and slow private investment. India must learn from global experiences and avoid crop-diversity risks seen in Germany. A waste-based CBG model, similar to Denmark’s approach, can help India build a cleaner, more secure and more sustainable energy future.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Biogas is considered to be an excellent fuel which burns without smoke. The main constituent of biogas is:( CAPF 2023)
A. Methane
B. Hydrogen
C. Carbon dioxide
D. Hydrogen sulphide
Answer: A
Explanation
Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as cattle dung, food waste, sewage and agricultural residues.
The main constituent of biogas is methane (CH₄), which generally forms about 50–80% of biogas. Methane is the combustible component and gives biogas its fuel value.
Other components include:
- Carbon dioxide: about 20–50%
- Hydrogen sulphide: present in small quantity
- Hydrogen: trace amount
Because methane is the main combustible gas, biogas can be purified and upgraded into Compressed Biogas, which can be used like CNG in transport, cooking and electricity generation.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Compressed Biogas:
- It is produced from anaerobic digestion.
- It can be used as a substitute for CNG.
- SATAT targeted 5,000 CBG plants.
- CBG blending begins at 5% in FY26.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter.
Statement 2 is correct: After processing and compression, CBG can be used like CNG.
Statement 3 is correct: The SATAT initiative targeted 5,000 CBG plants.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Mandatory CBG blending begins at 1% in FY26 and rises to 5% by FY29.
FAQs
Q. What is compressed biogas?
CBG is purified and compressed biogas produced from organic waste.
Q. Why is CBG important for India?
It can reduce fuel imports, manage waste and support rural income.
Q. What was the SATAT target?
SATAT targeted 5,000 CBG plants by 2023.
Q. What is the CBG blending target?
It starts at 1% in FY26 and rises to 5% by FY29.
Q. What is the main challenge in CBG expansion?
High upfront cost, weak infrastructure and poor biomass collection limit progress.
Relevance: UPSC GS Paper III: Agriculture, Farm Mechanization, Technology in Agriculture, Inclusive Growth
For Prelims:
- SMAM, RKVY, RKVY-RAFTAR, Custom Hiring Centres, Farm Machinery Banks, Hi-Tech Hubs, Kisan Drones, DBT, ICAR, KVKs, FPOs, SHGs, Precision Agriculture
For Mains:
- Farm mechanization, small and marginal farmers, inclusive agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, precision farming, post-harvest management, women farmers, North-Eastern agriculture, climate-smart farming
Why in News?
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization has expanded access to farm machinery and modern agricultural technologies for small farmers, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Farmer-Producer Organizations, Self-Help Groups and rural entrepreneurs. Since its inception, ₹9,404.47 crore has supported the distribution of 21.61 lakh agricultural machines, while ₹52.5 crore has enabled 40,928 drone demonstrations across 40,918 hectares to promote precision agriculture.
What is Farm Mechanization?
- Farm mechanization means the use of machines, equipment and modern technologies in agriculture.
It covers different stages of farming such as:
- Land preparation
- Sowing
- Irrigation
- Plant protection
- Harvesting
- Post-harvest management
- Crop residue management
- Mechanization reduces dependence on manual labour and animal power. It helps farmers complete agricultural operations on time, reduce production costs and improve productivity.
- In India, farm mechanization is especially important because agriculture faces challenges such as labour shortage, small landholdings, rising input costs and climate-related risks.
What is Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization?
- The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization was launched in 2014–15 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
- The core principle of SMAM is “reach the unreached.”
- It aims to extend the benefits of farm mechanization to those farmers and groups who cannot easily afford costly machinery.
The major beneficiaries include:
- Small and marginal farmers
- Women farmers
- Scheduled Castes
- Scheduled Tribes
- Farmer-Producer Organizations
- Self-Help Groups
- Rural entrepreneurs
- Farmers in North-Eastern and underserved regions
- SMAM addresses two major problems in Indian agriculture: small landholdings and high capital cost of machines. It does this by promoting rental-based access to farm equipment through Custom Hiring Centres and Farm Machinery Banks.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana was launched in 2007 to encourage States to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.
It gives States flexibility to design and implement projects based on local agricultural needs.
RKVY supports interventions such as:
- Crop production
- Agricultural infrastructure
- Farm mechanization
- Value addition
- Pre-harvest and post-harvest infrastructure
In 2017–18, RKVY was restructured as RKVY-RAFTAR, or Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation. This restructuring gave greater focus to agricultural infrastructure and value-chain development.
Strategic Pillars of SMAM
1. Training, Testing and Demonstration
SMAM promotes agricultural mechanization through training, testing, demonstration and awareness generation. Farmers are exposed to modern machines and technologies so that adoption becomes easier.
It also supports performance testing and certification of agricultural machinery to ensure quality and suitability.
2. Financial Assistance for Machinery Procurement
The scheme provides subsidy support through the Direct Benefit Transfer system.
- 40% subsidy is provided for general beneficiaries.
- 50% subsidy is provided for SC/ST farmers, small and marginal farmers and beneficiaries in North-Eastern States.
- Small and marginal farmers receive ₹2,000 per hectare for mechanized services, including drone services, through CHCs, SHGs and FPOs.
3. Custom Hiring Centres
SMAM promotes Custom Hiring Centres, where farmers can rent farm machinery instead of purchasing it.
This is useful for small farmers who cannot afford expensive machines individually.
CHCs receive financial assistance of 40% of project cost for projects up to ₹250 lakh.
4. Farm Machinery Banks
Farm Machinery Banks provide machinery to farmers on a hiring basis.
They receive 80% financial assistance for projects up to ₹30 lakh. SHGs, FPOs and local institutions can use this support to acquire agricultural machinery.
5. Hi-Tech and High-Productivity Equipment Hubs
SMAM supports hubs equipped with advanced, high-capacity and crop-specific machines.
These hubs improve access to costly and high-value agricultural equipment.
6. Special Focus on North-Eastern Region
The scheme provides enhanced support to the North-Eastern Region.
It includes:
- Up to 100% subsidy for small machinery
- 95% support for Farm Machinery Banks
- Region-specific interventions for low farm power availability
Financial Support and Achievements
From 2014–15 to 2025–26, SMAM has made significant progress in expanding farm mechanization.
| Component | Achievement |
| Central assistance released | ₹9,404.47 crore |
| Agricultural machines distributed | 21.61 lakh |
| Custom Hiring Centres established | 27,554 |
| Hi-Tech Hubs established | 646 |
| Farm Machinery Banks established | 25,608 |
| Individual machinery ownership beneficiaries in 2020–21 | 2.07 lakh |
| Individual machinery ownership beneficiaries in 2024–25 | 2.32 lakh |
The scheme follows a differentiated funding pattern:
- 60:40 between Centre and States for most States
- 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States
- 100% Central funding for Union Territories
This structure helps expand mechanization across diverse regions.
Drone-Based Farming under SMAM
SMAM also promotes the use of drones in agriculture.
Drones can help in:
- Spraying fertilizers
- Applying nutrients
- Spraying agrochemicals
- Precision agriculture
- Reducing labour burden
- Improving input efficiency
Under SMAM, ₹52.50 crore was provided to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to promote drone adoption through field demonstrations.
From 2023–24 to 2025–26, ICAR, State Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras conducted 40,928 Kisan Drone demonstrations covering 40,918 hectares.
Financial Assistance for Drones
- ICAR institutes, KVKs and State Agricultural Universities receive 100% assistance up to ₹10 lakh per drone.
- FPOs receive grant support of up to 75%.
- Agencies providing drone services receive contingency support of ₹6,000 per hectare.
SMAM also earmarks 30% of total funds for women farmers, improving their access to agricultural machinery and mechanized services.
Significance of SMAM
Inclusive Mechanization
SMAM focuses on small farmers, women, SC/ST communities and underserved regions. This makes mechanization more inclusive.
Reduction in Drudgery
Farm machinery reduces manual labour, especially for women and small farmers involved in labour-intensive operations.
Higher Productivity
Timely sowing, irrigation, spraying and harvesting improve crop productivity and reduce losses.
Affordable Access
Custom Hiring Centres and Farm Machinery Banks make machines available on rent, reducing the need for individual ownership.
Support for Precision Agriculture
Drone demonstrations promote efficient use of fertilizers, nutrients and agrochemicals.
Post-Harvest Management
Mechanization supports processing, storage, value addition and crop residue management.
Regional Equity
Special focus on North-Eastern and underserved States helps reduce regional disparities in access to farm technology.
Challenges
- Small and fragmented landholdings reduce machine viability.
- High cost of advanced machines limits adoption.
- Many farmers lack awareness about available support.
- Custom Hiring Centres may face maintenance and operational challenges.
- Skilled operators are needed for drones and advanced machines.
- Access to repair services and spare parts remains weak in rural areas.
- Digital and technical capacity is limited among small farmers.
- Mechanization must be adapted to local crops, soil conditions and farm sizes.
Way Forward
- Promote small, affordable and region-specific farm machinery.
- Strengthen Custom Hiring Centres and Farm Machinery Banks.
- Train rural youth as machine operators, drone pilots and repair technicians.
- Improve awareness through demonstrations and IEC campaigns.
- Link mechanization with FPOs, SHGs and rural entrepreneurship.
- Expand drone-based precision agriculture with clear safety and SOP-based use.
- Promote women-friendly tools to reduce labour burden.
- Encourage climate-smart machines for crop residue management and water efficiency.
- Strengthen testing, certification and after-sales service networks.
Conclusion
The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization has become an important intervention for improving farm productivity, reducing drudgery and making modern technologies accessible to small and marginal farmers. Its focus on Custom Hiring Centres, Farm Machinery Banks, drones, women farmers and North-Eastern States reflects an inclusive approach. However, long-term success will depend on affordable access, effective training, localised machinery, repair networks and sustainable technology adoption. SMAM can play a key role in making Indian agriculture more productive, efficient and future-ready.
UPSC PYQ
Q. Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Small Farmer Large Field’?( 2023)
A. Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce.
B. Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations.
C. Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers.
D. A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production.
Answer: B
Explanation
Small Farmer Large Field is a model where many small and marginal farmers come together and coordinate selected farm operations while retaining ownership of their individual land.
They may synchronise activities such as:
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization):
- It was launched under RKVY.
- It promotes Custom Hiring Centres.
- It supports Kisan Drone demonstrations.
- Its funding pattern is 50:50 for North-Eastern States.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: SMAM was launched in 2014–15 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under RKVY.
Statement 2 is correct: It promotes Custom Hiring Centres to provide machinery on rent to farmers.
Statement 3 is correct: SMAM supports Kisan Drone demonstrations through ICAR, KVKs and State Agricultural Universities.
Statement 4 is incorrect: For North-Eastern and Himalayan States, the funding pattern is 90:10, not 50:50.
FAQs
Q. What is SMAM?
SMAM is a scheme to promote farm mechanization across India.
Q. When was SMAM launched?
It was launched in 2014–15.
Q. Under which scheme was SMAM launched?
It was launched under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Q. What are Custom Hiring Centres?
They provide farm machinery to farmers on rent.
Q. How many machines were distributed under SMAM?
21.61 lakh machines were distributed with central assistance.
