Describe the main agricultural crops of India and efforts made by the government for the development of agriculture?
Answers
Since the dawn of independence, several steps have been taken to develop the agricultural sector of the country. The major break through has been achieved in food grains production.
The production of food grains which was 550 lakh tonnes in 1950 substantially moved to 1991 lakh tonnes in 1995. However, the various measures employed from time to time can be discussed as: The various technical measures employed to develop agriculture are as under:
1. Multiple Cropping:
Multiple cropping aims at maximizing production per unit of land and per unit of time by taking three or four crops in a year. By adopting multiple cropping, there are two advantages as of getting increased returns and economy of the farm resources.
2. Expansion of Irrigation Facilities:
Irrigation facilities have increased manifold over time. Several, minor, medium and major irrigation projects have been launched in the country. At the inception of First Five Year Plan, India had only 18% of total irrigated area which at present increased to about 33.9 percent.
Moreover, dry farming has also been introduced in those areas where means of permanent irrigation cannot be installed. In 1994-95 the country witnessed total irrigated area of 876 lakh hectares.
3. Use of HYV Seeds:
HYV seeds have absolutely revolutionized Indian agriculture by increasing yield per acre. Among these, mention may be made of dwarf varieties of wheat PU-18, Kalyan Sona 227, Sona Lika, Hybrid maize, Vijay, Rice I R-8, Jhona 351, Padma and Jaya etc.
4. Plant Protection:
Considerable efforts have been made to protect the crops from the insects and pests. For this purpose, 14 Central Plant Protection Centres have been set up by the Govt.
5. Scientific Methods of Cultivation:
In the planning period, stress has been laid on the scientific methods of cultivation. It has been emphasized to adopt superior agricultural technology in respect of crop rotation, selection of quality seeds, use of proper manure, treatment of soil, selection of crops etc.
In this regard, Govt has initiated Intensive Agricultural Area Programme. Moreover, several Agricultural research centers and universities have also been established.
In this regard, Haryana Agricultural University Hissar, Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Himachal Agricultural University Palampur, ICAR, Delhi is playing a pioneer role to develop agriculture.
6. Use of Mechanization:
Mechanization is another noteworthy step employed to develop agriculture. Small farmers are assisted with cheap credit facilities through co-operative societies, community development blocks to purchase machinery and other modern equipments.
7. More Use of Chemical Fertilizers:
Use of chemical fertilizers has also contributed significantly to the growth of agricultural output. Several steps have been taken to encourage the use of cow-dung as manure rather than as fuel.
In 1950-51, 0.13 million tonnes of chemical fertilizers was used which in 1980-81 increased to 5.52 million tonnes and further to 12.54 million tonnes in 1990-91. In 1995-96, the use of chemical fertilizers was recorded to the tune of 15.7 million tonnes.
8. Development of Agricultural Land:
Efforts have been made to develop agricultural land during the five year plans. Major success has been achieved in the leveling of land, terracing of fields and contour building. Land surveys are also being conducted.
9. Animal Husbandry:
Animal husbandry has assumed a much broader role in the overall agricultural development. Presently, this sector accounts for 25% of gross value of agricultural output. India’s vast livestock population offers tremendous potential for meeting domestic demand for milk, egg, meat, wool, etc.
10. Land Reforms:
In a bid to increase agricultural productivity, land reforms are of immense use. Since the dawn of independence, Govt, of India has undertaken several land reform measures. For instance, Abolition of zamidari system, Fixation of ceilings on Land Holdings, Consolidation of Land Holdings, co-operative farming etc.