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Consider the following statements about farm subsidies in India:
1. The input subsidies in India, such as on fertilizers fall under indirect farm subsidies.
2. Reduction in power and irrigation bills offered to farmers fall under direct farm subsidies.
3. The agricultural provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) though allow direct farm subsidies, prohibit indirect subsidies.
4. All subsidies provided by the governments in India fall under the indirect subsidies.
Select the correct statements using the code given below.
Code :
Explanation
Farm subsidies in India are broadly classified as direct or indirect. Statement 1 is correct: Input subsidies like those on fertilizers are considered indirect because the government pays the subsidy to the manufacturing companies to keep the market price low for farmers. Statement 2 is correct: In the context of this specific question (from the UPPSC Prelims 2022), reductions in power and irrigation bills are classified as direct subsidies because the benefit is provided directly to the farmer's specific utility account or bill, rather than through a third-party manufacturer. Statement 3 is incorrect: The WTO's Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) does not prohibit indirect subsidies; it regulates them using a "Box" system (Green, Amber, Blue) based on their potential to distort trade. Statement 4 is incorrect: India provides both indirect (fertilizer, power) and direct subsidies (e.g., direct income support via PM-KISAN).