Consider the following statements:1.The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.2.The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 only

   Statement 1 is incorrect. AIBP was launched in 1996–97 to give central assistance to States for completing incomplete major and medium irrigation projects, not to give loan assistance to poor farmers. This option is therefore not the key.

2. B

   2 only

   Statement 2 is correct: the Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974–75 to improve water-use efficiency below the outlet through on-farm development. Statement 1 is false. Hence 2 only is the official key.

3. C

   Both 1 and 2

   Both would require statement 1 to be true. AIBP was not a farmer-loan scheme. This option is not the key.

4. D

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Neither would deny the CADP launch and purpose in statement 2, which is correct. This option is therefore wrong.

Summary. Official key is (b) 2 only. Command Area Development (1974–75) aimed at last-mile water-use efficiency in irrigated commands. AIBP (1996–97) helped States finish pending irrigation projects; it was not a credit line to poor farmers. Statement 1 therefore falls. Only statement 2 remains.