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?

The correct option is 2 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why only the second statement is correct:

1. Analysis of Statement 1:
The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) was indeed launched during the financial year 1996-97. However, its primary objective was to provide financial assistance (loans) to State Governments to accelerate the implementation of major and medium irrigation projects that were in an advanced stage of completion but stuck due to resource constraints. It was not launched to directly provide loan assistance to poor farmers. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.

2. Analysis of Statement 2:
The Command Area Development (CAD) Programme was launched in December 1974-75. The main objective of this programme was to bridge the gap between the creation of irrigation potential and its actual utilization, thereby improving water-use efficiency and agricultural production in the command areas. Thus, Statement 2 is correct.

Since only Statement 2 is correct, the correct choice is 2 only.