With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements : 1. 'The National Programme for Organic Production' (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. 2. 'The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority' (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. 3. Sikkim has become India's first fully organic State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 2 is correct: APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, serves as the Secretariat for NPOP and accredits certification bodies for organic exports.
• Statement 3 is correct: Sikkim was declared India's first fully organic State in January 2016, after converting all 75,000 hectares of farmland.
• Statement 1 is wrong: NPOP (2001) is operated under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, not Rural Development.
• Hence 2 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: NPOP is under the Commerce Ministry.
- (c) 3 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: APEDA is the NPOP Secretariat.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.