Question

The 'AGMARK' standard was set up by

• A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• B. Ministry of Agriculture
• C. Directorate of Marketing and Inspection
• D. Directorate of Quality and Inspection

Hint:

The name itself is a clue: \textbf{AGMARK} = \textbf{AG}ricultural \textbf{MARK}eting. This directly links the standard to the Directorate of \textbf{Marketing} and Inspection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
AGMARK is a certification mark for agricultural products in India, assuring that they conform to a grade standard notified by the Government of India. The question asks for the specific body responsible for setting up and administering this standard.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- The acronym AGMARK stands for AGricultural MARK.
- This certification scheme was introduced through the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937.
- The legally constituted body responsible for the implementation of AGMARK standards is the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), which is an attached office of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- While the Ministry of Agriculture is the parent ministry, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection is the specific agency that sets up and enforces the standard, making it the most precise answer. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees the FSSAI.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The AGMARK standard is set up and implemented by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI). Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer.