This is a classic 'Capital vs. Revenue Expenditure' concept disguised as an Agriculture question. The strategy is binary: classify every government spending item as either 'Asset Creation' (Investment) or 'Consumption Support' (Subsidy/Transfer). If it doesn't build a durable asset, it's not investment.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Is fixing minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce of all crops considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"The government fixes the MSP for 22 mandated agricultural crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)."
Why this source?
- Defines MSP as a government price-support mechanism fixed for specific mandated crops (22 crops) on CACP recommendations.
- Shows MSP is a price-setting/procurement policy rather than described as an investment item.
"The government has taken several measures to improve agricultural marketing and ensuring remunerative prices to farmers. These include procuring certain crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP)."
Why this source?
- Describes MSP as part of measures to ensure remunerative prices and government procurement at MSP.
- Frames MSP as a market/price support action (procurement/remuneration), not as capital or public investment spending.
"We further need to accelerate public investment in agriculture ... There is also dire need to strengthen investment in irrigation, both in medium and minor irrigation projects."
Why this source?
- Discusses 'public investment in agriculture' in terms of infrastructure (e.g., irrigation projects) and acceleration of such investments.
- Supports a distinction between public investment (physical/capital projects) and policy tools like MSP.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.18 Previous Years Questions > p. 329
Strength: 4/5
“Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i) only• (b) (ii) only• (c) Both (i) & (ii)• (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)• 6. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? [2020] • (i) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops• (ii) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies• (iii) Social Capital Development• (iv) Free electricity supply to farmers• (v) Waiver of agricultural loan by the banking system• (vi) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i), (ii) and (v) only• (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) only”
Why relevant
The exam-style question explicitly lists 'Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops' among items to judge as 'public investment in agriculture', indicating this is a debated classification in textbooks.
How to extend
A student could use this to check official definitions of 'public investment' (capital formation vs revenue support) to see whether MSP matches the criteria.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 9: Subsidies > 9.5.1 Food Corporation of India (FCI) > p. 293
Strength: 5/5
“Minimum Support Price (MSP): The rate announced by GoI at which purchases are made from the farmers by GoI and State governments and their agencies for the central pool. The MSP is same for the entire country and there is no limit for procurement in terms of volume/ quantity provided that stock satisfies Fair Average Quality (FAQ). Central Issue Price (CIP): The price at which food grains (wheat and rice) are issued to the State governments/ UTs from the central pool at uniform prices for distribution under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)/NFSA. CIP is fixed by Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.”
Why relevant
Defines MSP as the rate at which government purchases are made from farmers for the central pool — showing MSP involves government procurement and expenditure.
How to extend
Combine this with the student's knowledge that government purchases/stocking create fiscal outlays to assess whether such outlays are treated as investment or revenue expenditure in public accounts.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > Issues with MSP: > p. 307
Strength: 4/5
“There are other spill over too, the most serious being deterring fresh, private investments in the sector—investors are attracted by freeing markets, not by restricting free play. [It is practically not possible for Govt. to procure all the crops at MSP all over India. If Govt will procure all the 25 crops at MSP from all over India (which will be a huge financial burden and practically not possible) then the farmers who are cultivating Fruits, Vegetables, livestock which consists of almost 50% of the value and for which there does not exist any MSP, then these farmers will also shift to those 25 crops.”
Why relevant
States it would be 'a huge financial burden and practically not possible' for the government to procure all crops at MSP — implying significant fiscal/recurring cost associated with MSP implementation.
How to extend
A student could link this to the idea that policies imposing recurring large fiscal burdens are typically treated as subsidies/transfer payments rather than capital investment.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Role of Subsidies in Cropping Pattern > p. 311
Strength: 5/5
“Subsidies include: Minimum Support Price (MSP), power subsidy, higher farm credit, etc.
• Subsidies work as an incentive to the farmers for the production of crops even in the dry areas. • Rice and wheat aside, in recent years, cash crops sugarcane and cotton too have taken a larger share of the crop land due to better price incentives. However, States like”
Why relevant
Lists MSP under 'Subsidies' alongside power subsidy and farm credit, implying MSP functions like a price support/subsidy instrument.
How to extend
Using the standard distinction that subsidies are revenue expenditures, a student could infer MSP is more akin to subsidy/transfer than public capital investment.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 6: Economic Planning in India > I. Contribution in major Agricultural Sector Reforms: > p. 146
Strength: 3/5
“1. Implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for notified crops-
After the advice by NITI Aayog in this regard, M/o Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare launched Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) in 2018 including three mechanisms:
reux
19000
reic conairuna
• Price Support Scheme (PSS) or Market Assurance Scheme
• y sil is Price Deficiency Payment Scheme > Anodice
• Pilot on Private Procurement Stockists Scheme
प्रधानमंत्री उल्लेखन आये ग्रेसण अभियान”
Why relevant
Describes implementation of MSP through government schemes (PM-AASHA) with mechanisms like Price Support Scheme and Price Deficiency Payment, showing MSP is operationalised via targeted government programmes.
How to extend
A student could examine the nature of these schemes (procurement, payments) to judge whether they create durable assets (investment) or are income/support transfers.
Statement 2
Is computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"the government is taking steps to strengthen the cooperative movement by computerizing Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The linkage of 62,318 functional PACS with NABARD through"
Why this source?
- Official government press release states the government is taking steps to strengthen cooperatives by computerizing PACS, indicating a government-led initiative.
- Linkage of functional PACS with NABARD is mentioned, showing involvement of public financial institutions in the computerization effort.
"Eligible beneficiaries under the scheme initially included entities such as primary agricultural credit societies, marketing cooperative societies, and farmer producers’ organisations."
Why this source?
- A government financing scheme explicitly lists primary agricultural credit societies as eligible beneficiaries, showing PACS are recipients of public funds or schemes.
- Inclusion of PACS in such schemes supports the view that government-sponsored activities for PACS (like computerization) are part of public investment/support.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2020 > p. 356
Strength: 4/5
“In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? • 1. Fixing minimum support price for agriculture produce of all crops • 2. Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies • 3. Social capital development • 4. Free electricity supply of farmers • 5. Waiver of agriculture loans by the banking system • -6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only• (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6• 3.”
Why relevant
This source lists 'Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies' among items presented to examine what can be considered public investment in agriculture — showing it is treated as a candidate item in official exam-style questions.
How to extend
A student could extend this by checking definitions of 'public investment' (capital expenditure by government) and then searching whether government programs fund PACS computerisation.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.18 Previous Years Questions > p. 329
Strength: 4/5
“Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i) only• (b) (ii) only• (c) Both (i) & (ii)• (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)• 6. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? [2020] • (i) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops• (ii) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies• (iii) Social Capital Development• (iv) Free electricity supply to farmers• (v) Waiver of agricultural loan by the banking system• (vi) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i), (ii) and (v) only• (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) only”
Why relevant
Another book reproduces the same multi-item question (including computerisation of PACS) used to test whether items constitute public investment, indicating recurring treatment of computerisation as a potentially investment-type activity.
How to extend
Combine this pattern with the formal definition of public investment and then look for policy documents or schemes that classify funding for PACS computerisation as capital/expenditure by government.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.12 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund > p. 320
Strength: 5/5
“Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a Central Sector Scheme which shall provide medium to long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support. • Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore is provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), APMCs, Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agrientrepreneurs, Start-ups, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Projects.• For all the loans under this financing facility, Government is providing interest subvention of 3% per annum for loans up to Rs.”
Why relevant
Describes the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund providing loans and interest subvention to PACS for investment in post-harvest and community farming assets — showing PACS are direct recipients of formal investment schemes.
How to extend
A student could reason that if PACS receive government-supported finance for infrastructure, similar funding channels could be used for computerisation and thus be counted as public investment if financed/ subsidised by such schemes.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > 4. Co-operative Banks: > p. 81
Strength: 4/5
“Multi-State UCBs are registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and are regulated by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).• The rural co-operative credit system in India is primarily mandated to ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. It comprises short-term and long-term co-operative credit structures. The short-term co-operative credit structure operates with a threetier system – State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) at the State level, (District) Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) at the district level and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) at the village level. A PACS is organized at the grass roots level of a village or a group of small villages.”
Why relevant
Explains the institutional role of PACS as village-level cooperative credit societies central to agricultural credit delivery — establishing PACS as an agricultural institution whose capacity-building could be considered part of agricultural investment.
How to extend
Using this, a student can argue that investments enhancing PACS functionality (e.g., computerisation) plausibly qualify as public investment in agriculture if financed or implemented by public agencies.
Statement 3
Is social capital development in rural/agricultural communities considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2020 > p. 356
Strength: 5/5
“In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? • 1. Fixing minimum support price for agriculture produce of all crops • 2. Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies • 3. Social capital development • 4. Free electricity supply of farmers • 5. Waiver of agriculture loans by the banking system • -6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only• (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6• 3.”
Why relevant
The textbook question explicitly lists 'Social capital development' among items presented as candidates for 'public investment in agriculture', implying it is treated as a possible component.
How to extend
A student could compare official definitions of 'public investment in agriculture' (e.g., government spending on agricultural/public goods) to see if social capital initiatives fit that definition.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.18 Previous Years Questions > p. 329
Strength: 5/5
“Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i) only• (b) (ii) only• (c) Both (i) & (ii)• (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)• 6. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? [2020] • (i) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops• (ii) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies• (iii) Social Capital Development• (iv) Free electricity supply to farmers• (v) Waiver of agricultural loan by the banking system• (vi) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i), (ii) and (v) only• (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) only”
Why relevant
Another examination-style source repeats the same list including 'Social Capital Development' as item (iii) when asking what counts as public investment in agriculture (2020 question).
How to extend
Use past-question contexts plus government budget headings to check whether social capital programmes are classified under agricultural public investment.
History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > b) Rural Development Programmes > p. 120
Strength: 4/5
“Poverty levels were also much higher among specific social groups such as small and marginal farmers, landless labourers and depressed classes in resource poor regions without irrigation and with poor soil, etc. A whole range of rural development programmes was introduced by the government to tackle rural poverty. These included Community Development Programmes, reviving local institutions like Panchayati Raj, and targeted programmes aimed at specific groups such as small and marginal farmers. The thrust was on providing additional sources of income to the rural households to augment their earnings from agriculture. Two major programmes are explained in greater detail below.”
Why relevant
Description of rural development programmes cites 'reviving local institutions like Panchayati Raj' and community development programmes — examples of social capital building undertaken by government.
How to extend
Map such programmes (Panchayati Raj, community development) to budget/outlay categories to infer whether they are treated as agricultural/public investment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 8: Inclusive growth and issues > Need for inclusive growth in India > p. 253
Strength: 4/5
“Inclusive growth is necessary for sustainable development and equitable distribution of wealth and prosperity. Achieving inclusive growth is the biggest challenge in a country like India. In a democratic country like India, bringing the70% people living in rural India into the mainstream is the biggest concern. The challenge is to take the levels of growth to all section of the society and to all parts of the country. The best way to achieve inclusive growth is through developing people's skills. According to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the key components of inclusive growth strategy include a sharp increase in investment in rural areas, rural infrastructure and agriculture, increase in credit for farmers, increase in rural employment through a unique social safety net and a sharp increase in public spending on education and health care.”
Why relevant
Inclusive growth strategy highlights increased investment in rural areas, rural infrastructure and 'developing people's skills' as components of public spending to bring rural people into the mainstream.
How to extend
Interpret 'developing people's skills' and rural investment as social development spending; then check if official agricultural investment definitions include such social spending.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 8: Inclusive growth and issues > Need for inclusive growth in India > p. 254
Strength: 3/5
“The agriculture sector suffers with fragmented land holdings, declining yield with more than 50% of the agricultural land dependent on monsoon. Agriculture sector has remained excluded from the high growth which the economy achieved after the reforms of 1991.• Social Development: Social development is one of the key concerns in inclusive growth. Various problems in the social sector like low level of public expenditure on health, poor quality of primary educational institutions, significant gender disparities, malnutrition among children etc. is making the path critical to inclusive growth in the country.• Regional Disparities: Due to different levels of development in agriculture and industrial sector across regions, some regions in India developed fast and some areas are still facing scarcity for example per capita income of Punjab is four times than of Bihar.”
Why relevant
Identifies 'Social Development' (health, education, etc.) as a key concern in inclusive growth and links low public expenditure in these areas to rural exclusion, implying these social expenditures are part of public policy for agriculture/rural areas.
How to extend
Cross-reference these social development items with agricultural/public investment classifications to evaluate whether they are counted under agriculture investment.
Statement 4
Is free electricity supply to farmers considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2020 > p. 356
Strength: 5/5
“In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? • 1. Fixing minimum support price for agriculture produce of all crops • 2. Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies • 3. Social capital development • 4. Free electricity supply of farmers • 5. Waiver of agriculture loans by the banking system • -6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only• (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6• 3.”
Why relevant
Contains a direct examination-style list asking which items can be considered 'public investment in agriculture', and that list explicitly includes 'Free electricity supply of farmers' as one of the options.
How to extend
A student could use this to infer that textbooks treat free electricity as a candidate item and then check official definitions/classifications (e.g., budget/investment vs subsidy) to decide if it is treated as investment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.18 Previous Years Questions > p. 329
Strength: 4/5
“Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i) only• (b) (ii) only• (c) Both (i) & (ii)• (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)• 6. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? [2020] • (i) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops• (ii) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies• (iii) Social Capital Development• (iv) Free electricity supply to farmers• (v) Waiver of agricultural loan by the banking system• (vi) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i), (ii) and (v) only• (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) only”
Why relevant
Another textbook question reproduces the same list (including free electricity) when asking what counts as public investment, indicating this is a recurring examination question and topic of classification.
How to extend
A student could compare answer keys or official exam explanations to see how the term 'public investment' is being applied in practice.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > Issues with MSP: > p. 307
Strength: 5/5
“This will resolve the problem in terms of diversification of crops, environment, soil degradation problem and water problem will also get resolved.] [What are the subsidies given to agriculture sector in India? Answer: Farmers in India are provided support on both the input and output side of agriculture. On the input side, an average Indian farmer receives subsidies on fertilisers, seeds, farm machinery and equipment, electricity etc. On the output side, MSP and logistics subsidies are offered. However, small and marginal farmers are able to get only a small amount of these subsidies.]”
Why relevant
Defines input-side support to farmers and explicitly lists electricity among recurring subsidies (fertilisers, seeds, electricity) rather than capital projects.
How to extend
A student could contrast 'subsidy on inputs' (recurring transfers) with 'public investment' (capital/ infrastructure) in budget documents to judge if free electricity is categorized as investment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > The following are the salient features of the Model Contract Farming Act 2018: > p. 319
Strength: 4/5
“The 1966 Green Revolution in agriculture is not considered as "Market reforms". This is because Green revolution was supported by huge Govt. led subsidies like MSP, fertilizer, electricity, water etc. So, all the inputs were provided free of cost and the produce was purchased by Govt. at higher than Market price (MSP). So, it was Govt. led boom and not market reforms. But Govt led support is not sustainable and govt. cannot support this for long for such a huge country, and now it has become unsustainable for the Govt. to keep this support in terms of MSP and subsidies.”
Why relevant
Describes Green Revolution being driven by large government subsidies including electricity and notes such support as 'Govt led' and 'unsustainable', implying subsidies are distinct policy support rather than long-term capital investment.
How to extend
A student could use this pattern to hypothesize that free electricity is treated as a recurring subsidy in policy discussions and then verify official accounting treatment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 14: Infrastructure and Investment Models > Introduction: > p. 430
Strength: 4/5
“The industrial consumers are charged higher tariffs to compensate for the loss that the Govt. incurs in providing subsidized power to households and farmers.• Presently the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses are around 20% to 22% in most of the DISCOMs leading to huge financial burden on DISCOMs. In India, the electricity sector (generation, transmission, distribution, trading) is governed by the Electricity Act 2003. The following are the various reforms/changes which have been suggested in the Electricity Act 2003 through the Electricity Amendment Bill 2021:”
Why relevant
Explains that subsidised power for households and farmers is compensated by charging higher industrial tariffs and discusses electricity sector reforms — framing subsidised electricity as an ongoing policy/subsidy with fiscal implications.
How to extend
A student could extend this by checking whether such fiscal transfers are recorded as 'subsidy expenditure' or 'public investment' in government accounts.
Statement 5
Is waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2020 > p. 356
Strength: 4/5
“In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? • 1. Fixing minimum support price for agriculture produce of all crops • 2. Computerisation of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies • 3. Social capital development • 4. Free electricity supply of farmers • 5. Waiver of agriculture loans by the banking system • -6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only• (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6• 3.”
Why relevant
This source lists 'waiver of agriculture loans by the banking system' among items presented as candidates for 'public investment in agriculture' in a multiple-choice question, indicating that waivers are considered in that conceptual space.
How to extend
A student could use this to justify checking official definitions (e.g., budget classification or national accounts) to see whether waivers are counted as public investment or treated differently (transfer/contingent liability).
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.18 Previous Years Questions > p. 329
Strength: 4/5
“Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i) only• (b) (ii) only• (c) Both (i) & (ii)• (d) Neither (i) nor (ii)• 6. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? [2020] • (i) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agriculture produce of all crops• (ii) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies• (iii) Social Capital Development• (iv) Free electricity supply to farmers• (v) Waiver of agricultural loan by the banking system• (vi) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments Select the correct answer using the code given below: • (a) (i), (ii) and (v) only• (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) only”
Why relevant
Another exam-style list repeats the same set of items (including loan waivers) as potential examples of public investment, showing this is a recurring framing in study materials.
How to extend
Combine this recurring framing with primary-source definitions (government budget manuals or IMF/NSA guidance) to test whether educational framing matches official accounting treatment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.12 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund > p. 320
Strength: 4/5
“Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a Central Sector Scheme which shall provide medium to long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support. • Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore is provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), APMCs, Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agrientrepreneurs, Start-ups, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Projects.• For all the loans under this financing facility, Government is providing interest subvention of 3% per annum for loans up to Rs.”
Why relevant
Describes the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund as a government scheme providing loans and interest subvention — an example of direct government lending/support treated as investment in infrastructure.
How to extend
Compare this explicit government-provided loan/interest-subvention (treated as investment) with bank loan waivers to see if the latter imply equivalent government fiscal action or are a different category.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGRICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND > p. 323
Strength: 3/5
“• It is a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) announced by GOI in 2020. • The fund/scheme provides a medium to long-term loan financing facility to boost investment in the infrastructure related to mainly post-harvest and community farming. • Interest subvention of 3 per cent on loans up to a limit of ₹2 crore and maximum for 7 years is being provided under the scheme. • Credit guarantee coverage is provided for a loan up to a limit of ₹2 crore.”
Why relevant
Explains a central scheme where the government provides interest subvention and credit guarantees for loans — showing government support often takes the form of subsidies or guarantees rather than unilateral write-offs.
How to extend
Use this pattern to investigate whether loan write-offs by banks are government-funded (and thus fiscal) or are absorbed by banks, affecting whether they count as public investment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > iii) Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): > p. 75
Strength: 3/5
“Under this scheme, short-term agriculture loan up to ₹3 lakh is available at 7 per cent per annum to farmers engaged in Agriculture and other Allied activities, including Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Poultry, Fisheries etc. An additional 3 per cent subvention (Prompt Repayment Incentive) is also given to the farmers for prompt and timely repayment of loans. Therefore, if a farmer repays his loan on time, he gets credit at 4 per cent per annum. The scheme is implemented through public and private sector banks and RRBs and Cooperatives. So, while 'KCC' is implemented by RBI, 'Interest Subvention' is a Govt. of India (Ministry of Agriculture) scheme.”
Why relevant
Describes Kisan Credit Card interest subvention where the government subsidizes borrowing costs — an example of explicit government fiscal support to agriculture credit distinct from waivers.
How to extend
A student could contrast subsidy/subvention examples with waivers to determine if waivers involve a comparable government expenditure or are treated as bank losses/non-investment transfers.
Statement 6
Is setting up of cold storage facilities by the government considered public investment in agriculture in India?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > N. Scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure > p. 414
Presence: 5/5
“• This scheme aimed to establish a strong cold chain facility and linking farm gate to the \bulletconsumer for agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry and fishery products. • Losses and wastages could be reduced with the help of efficient cold storage, transportation ۰ and minimal processing. • The scheme has mainly four components: • i”
Why this source?
- Describes a government scheme explicitly aimed at establishing cold chain facilities linking farm gate to consumer for agricultural and allied products.
- Emphasizes loss reduction and wastage control through efficient cold storage, implying government-directed investment in such infrastructure.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.12 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund > p. 320
Presence: 5/5
“Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is a Central Sector Scheme which shall provide medium to long term debt financing facility for investment in viable projects for post-harvest management Infrastructure and community farming assets through interest subvention and financial support. • Under the scheme, Rs. One Lakh Crore is provided by banks and financial institutions as loans to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Marketing Cooperative Societies, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), APMCs, Self Help Group (SHG), Farmers, Joint Liability Groups (JLG), Multipurpose Cooperative Societies, Agrientrepreneurs, Start-ups, Aggregation Infrastructure Providers and Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public Private Partnership Projects.• For all the loans under this financing facility, Government is providing interest subvention of 3% per annum for loans up to Rs.”
Why this source?
- Identifies a Central Sector Agriculture Infrastructure Fund that provides medium-to-long term financing for post-harvest management infrastructure, which includes cold storage.
- Shows government involvement via interest subvention and financial support for investments in cold-chain and related assets.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 13: Food Processing Industry in India > Food Processing Industry in India > p. 413
Presence: 5/5
“processing of these raw materials. CPCs have specialised cold storage facilities along with modern scientific units for processing the food. The model of a Mega Food Park is depicted below. • A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is created to set up a Mega Food Park. SPV is a limited company set up with money from farmers' associations, private players, financial institutions, State-level agencies, etc. Thereafter, the Government gives them grant to cover a part of the project cost. • The MFP scheme envisages a one-time capital grant of 50 per cent of the project cost (excluding land cost) subject to a maximum of ₹50 crores.”
Why this source?
- Explains that Mega Food Park projects include specialised cold storage facilities and that the government provides grants to cover part of project costs.
- Demonstrates direct government capital support for creation of cold storage as part of food processing infrastructure.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC frequently tests the 'Economic Definition' of common terms. 'Investment' in common parlance might mean 'spending money', but in Economics, it strictly means 'Capital Formation'. Always default to the strict technical definition in Economy questions.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Conceptual Sitter. Solvable purely by applying the definition of 'Capital Formation' found in NCERT Macroeconomics (Chapter: Government Budget).
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Agriculture > Investment Models & Capital Formation. The syllabus explicitly mentions 'Investment models' and 'Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies'.
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Categorize Agri-Spending:
(1) Investment: Irrigation (PMKSY), Rural Roads (PMGSY), R&D (ICAR), Market Yards (eNAM infra), Electrification Infra.
(2) Subsidies: Fertilizer Subsidy, PM-KISAN (Cash Transfer), Interest Subvention, Crop Insurance Premium (PMFBY).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not memorize lists of schemes. Instead, adopt the 'Accountant's Mindset': Does this rupee build a wall/machine/software (Capex) or does it pay a bill/fill a gap (Opex)? Apply this filter to every option.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 MSP: definition and procurement mechanism
💡 The insight
MSP is the government‑announced purchase price used when the state or its agencies procure crops for the central pool.
High-yield: knowing MSP mechanics is essential to discuss food procurement, the role of agencies like FCI, and how price support operates versus direct transfers. It links to public distribution and debates on government intervention in agricultural markets, enabling clear answers on implementation and objectives.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 9: Subsidies > 9.5.1 Food Corporation of India (FCI) > p. 293
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.3 Minimum Support Price (MSP) > p. 306
🔗 Anchor: "Is fixing minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce of all crops con..."
👉 Coverage and practical limits of MSP
💡 The insight
MSP is declared only for a limited set of crops and actual government procurement is concentrated in a few crops and regions, so MSP is not applied universally in practice.
Important for evaluating claims about MSP for 'all crops' and for discussing fiscal and operational feasibility. It connects to cropping patterns, regional procurement bias, and policy design questions frequently asked in mains and essays.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Objectives of MSP include: > p. 329
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.3 Minimum Support Price (MSP) > p. 306
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > Issues with MSP: > p. 307
🔗 Anchor: "Is fixing minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce of all crops con..."
👉 MSP as a subsidy-like policy and its economic consequences
💡 The insight
MSP operates as a price‑support/subsidy instrument and can impose fiscal burdens and alter private investment incentives in agriculture.
Crucial for balanced analysis of policy trade-offs: fiscal cost, market distortion, and effects on private investment. Mastery helps craft arguments on reform options, subsidy targeting, and long-term sustainability of agricultural support.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > Role of Subsidies in Cropping Pattern > p. 311
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > Issues with MSP: > p. 307
🔗 Anchor: "Is fixing minimum support prices (MSP) for agricultural produce of all crops con..."
👉 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) — grassroots credit institutions
💡 The insight
PACS are village-level cooperative credit societies that channel short-term agricultural credit and are the institutional target where computerization would be implemented.
High-yield concept for UPSC: understanding PACS explains how rural credit reaches farmers, links to cooperative banking and rural development policies, and helps answer questions on institutional reforms and strengthening grassroots finance.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > 4. Co-operative Banks: > p. 81
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > AGRICULTURAL FINANCE > p. 319
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 4. Capital Constraint > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Is computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies considered public in..."
👉 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and financing to PACS
💡 The insight
AIF provides medium-to-long term loans and interest subvention for investments to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, demonstrating a channel for government-funded infrastructure support to PACS.
Important for policy questions: knowing AIF clarifies how the Centre finances agri-infrastructure projects, differentiates capital investment from routine subsidies, and prepares candidates for questions on government schemes and funding mechanisms.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.12 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund > p. 320
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > iii) Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): > p. 75
🔗 Anchor: "Is computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies considered public in..."
👉 Interest subvention, credit targets and fiscal support vs capital investment
💡 The insight
Government support to agriculture includes interest subvention and credit-target schemes which are fiscal supports distinct from capital/public investment in infrastructure.
Crucial for UPSC: distinguishing between subsidies/loan support and public capital investment is frequently tested; mastering this helps classify policy measures (subvention, credit, infrastructure spending) and answer comparative policy questions.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > Issues in Agriculture Credit > p. 313
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > iii) Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): > p. 75
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 10: Agriculture - Part I > 10.12 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund > p. 320
🔗 Anchor: "Is computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies considered public in..."
👉 Social development as rural public investment
💡 The insight
Public spending on education, health, rural infrastructure and social safety nets constitutes social development that affects rural livelihoods and agricultural outcomes.
High-yield: questions on inclusive growth and public investment frequently require assessing non-physical forms of investment (education, health, social safety nets) and their impact on agriculture. Links governance, public finance and rural development; enables evaluation-type answers on what counts as public investment.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 8: Inclusive growth and issues > Need for inclusive growth in India > p. 253
- History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > b) Rural Development Programmes > p. 120
🔗 Anchor: "Is social capital development in rural/agricultural communities considered publi..."
Gross Capital Formation (GCF) Trends: The Private Sector contributes ~80-85% of total investment in Indian agriculture, while the Public Sector contributes only ~15-20%. UPSC often swaps these figures to trap you.
The 'Recurring Cost' Litmus Test. Ask: 'Does the government have to pay this again next season for the same output?'
- MSP? Yes (Recurring) -> Subsidy.
- Free Electricity? Yes (Recurring) -> Subsidy.
- Loan Waiver? Yes (Recurring cycle) -> Transfer.
- Cold Storage? No (Built once, lasts years) -> Investment.
Eliminate 1, 4, and 5. Only Option C remains.
GS-3 Economy (Fiscal Policy): This question is the technical basis for the 'Freebies vs. Welfare' debate. High Revenue Expenditure (MSP, Waivers) crowds out Capital Expenditure (Cold storage, Roads), which is why economists argue for shifting from 'Price Policy' to 'Income Policy' and Infrastructure.