Question 78 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Economy

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: Evaluate the purpose and target beneficiaries of the AIBP and CADP programmes to determine the validity of two statements regarding their objectives.

Key Info: **Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)**

Launched in 1996-97 as a Central Sector Scheme, its main objective was to expedite the completion of ongoing major and medium irrigation projects, especially those delayed due to insufficient state resources.

AIBP provided Central Loan Assistance (CLA) to state governments, focusing on creating additional irrigation potential through faster project completion. It was not designed as direct loan assistance for farmers.

**Command Area Development Programme (CADP)**

Initiated in December 1974 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, CADP aimed to enhance water-use efficiency in existing irrigated areas, improve the utilisation of irrigation potential, and optimise agricultural productivity.

Key components included:
- Construction of field channels
- Land leveling
- Adoption of suitable crop patterns
- Farmer training
- Promoting conjunctive use of surface and groundwater

Water-use efficiency and sustainability were central to CADP. Both AIBP and CADP play significant roles in India's irrigation and agricultural productivity framework by addressing distinct infrastructure and management gaps.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Both 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2