UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Why key to coconut cultivation today is sustainability, not productivity

Q1. With reference to the Coconut Promotion Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, consider the following as its stated interventions: 1. Large-scale production of quality coconut seedlings 2. Phased replanting and rejuvenation of senile and unproductive gardens 3. Establishment of integrated coconut processing units 4. Direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to every coconut farmer Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Large-scale production of quality coconut seedlings
  2. Phased replanting and rejuvenation of senile and unproductive gardens
  3. Establishment of integrated coconut processing units
  4. Direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to every coconut farmer
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. As per the data cited by the Government while announcing the Coconut Promotion Scheme in 2026, approximately what share of global coconut production is contributed by India?

  • A. About 15%
  • B. About 21%
  • C. About 30%
  • D. About 45%

Q3. With reference to the Coconut Promotion Scheme (Budget 2026-27) compared with the pre-existing Coconut Development Board (CDB) framework, consider the following statements: 1. Under the revised CDB intervention, financial assistance for the Area Expansion Programme was raised from ₹6,500 per hectare to ₹56,000 per hectare. 2. The seedling production subsidy was revised from ₹8 to ₹45 per seedling. 3. The Coconut Promotion Scheme repeals the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979 and transfers implementation to NABARD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Under the revised CDB intervention, financial assistance for the Area Expansion Programme was raised from ₹6,500 per hectare to ₹56,000 per hectare.
  2. The seedling production subsidy was revised from ₹8 to ₹45 per seedling.
  3. The Coconut Promotion Scheme repeals the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979 and transfers implementation to NABARD.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. In recent discussions on sustainability in India's coconut sector, the term 'Kalparaksha' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A multilingual AI advisory helpline launched for coconut farmers under the Bharat-VISTAAR platform
  • B. A dwarf coconut variety released by ICAR-CPCRI for cultivation in areas affected by the root (wilt) disease
  • C. A Coconut Development Board scheme for replanting senile palms in non-traditional states like Gujarat and Assam
  • D. A coconut-based crop insurance product under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
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