UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Amid El Nino threat, govt. cuts urea, DAP requirements
Q1. Following the El Nino-linked downward revision announced by the Department of Fertilizers, what is the revised urea requirement (in Lakh Metric Tonnes) for the Kharif 2026 season in India?
- A. 180.12 LMT
- B. 190.32 LMT
- C. 194.04 LMT
- D. 56.23 LMT
Q2. With reference to the revision of fertilizer requirements for Kharif 2026 vis-a-vis the original indent, consider the following statements:
1. The urea requirement was reduced by approximately 3.72 Lakh Metric Tonnes from the original indent.
2. The DAP requirement was reduced by approximately 2.94 Lakh Metric Tonnes from the original indent.
3. The total fertilizer stock available for Kharif 2026 was lower than the corresponding year-on-year level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The urea requirement was reduced by approximately 3.72 Lakh Metric Tonnes from the original indent.
- The DAP requirement was reduced by approximately 2.94 Lakh Metric Tonnes from the original indent.
- The total fertilizer stock available for Kharif 2026 was lower than the corresponding year-on-year level.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q3. Which one of the following is the nodal department for assessing and revising the season-wise fertilizer indent (such as the Kharif 2026 urea and DAP requirement) in India?
- A. Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- B. Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- C. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- D. NITI Aayog's Agriculture Vertical
Q4. With reference to the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) policy as applicable for Kharif 2026, consider the following statements regarding fertilizers covered under NBS:
1. Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is covered under the NBS policy.
2. Muriate of Potash (MOP) is covered under the NBS policy.
3. Urea is covered under the NBS policy.
4. Single Super Phosphate (SSP) is covered under the NBS policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?
- Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) is covered under the NBS policy.
- Muriate of Potash (MOP) is covered under the NBS policy.
- Urea is covered under the NBS policy.
- Single Super Phosphate (SSP) is covered under the NBS policy.
- A. 3 only
- B. 1 and 3
- C. 2 and 4
- D. 3 and 4
Q5. With reference to the Cabinet-approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Kharif 2026, consider the following fertilizers:
1. Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)
2. NPKS complex fertilizers
3. Urea
4. Muriate of Potash (MOP)
Which of the above is/are correctly identified as Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers eligible under the NBS policy for Kharif 2026?
- Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)
- NPKS complex fertilizers
- Urea
- Muriate of Potash (MOP)
- A. 1 and 3 only
- B. 1, 2 and 4
- C. 2 and 4 only
- D. 1, 2, 3 and 4