SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 9

Correct Answer

To promote women in agriculture

Explanation

The primary goal of the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) is to empower women in agriculture by making systematic investments to enhance their participation and productivity. Launched as a sub-component of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) by the Ministry of Rural Development, MKSP recognizes the critical role of women in agriculture and aims to improve their socio-economic status. It focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women farmers (Mahila Kisans) by training them in climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.

The other options represent specific agricultural activities or broader interventions rather than the primary strategic objective of MKSP. While introducing sustainable methods like bio-inputs or organic concepts can be a part of the training, the overarching goal of the scheme is specifically the socio-economic empowerment of women in agriculture, rather than merely giving away free seeds, constructing community irrigation infrastructures, or focusing solely on a national organic mandate.

Key Points

MKSP aims to build the capacities of women farmers through community-based institutions like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and federation architectures. By improving their access to skills, technology, and market channels, the program helps women secure better food and nutritional security at the household level. Furthermore, it works toward managerial optimization, enabling women to gain better control over agricultural production processes and local marketing systems.

Additional Facts

Agriculture in India is heavily feminized, with a large percentage of rural women actively engaged in farming activities, yet they often lack official recognition as 'farmers' or access to land ownership. MKSP directly addresses this gap by institutionalizing their identity as productive farmers. Under the implementation framework, community resource persons known as 'Krishi Sakhis' are trained to provide handholding support, technical guidance, and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer to fellow women farmers in their respective villages.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which central ministry in India is responsible for the funding and implementation framework of the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)?

Answer: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, is responsible for MKSP as it functions under the umbrella of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Question: What role do 'Krishi Sakhis' play under the MKSP and NRLM ecosystem?

Answer: Krishi Sakhis act as community-level extension workers or resource persons who receive specialized training in sustainable agriculture practices to guide, train, and build capacity among other local women farmers.