what was the state of indian agriculture before 1947? what measures were taken to bring about improvements in agricultural production after 1947? ignou
Answers
What was the state of Indian agriculture before 1947? What measures were taken to bring about the improvement in agricultural production in 1947?
Before independence, the condition of agriculture was:
Feudalism and sub-feudalism were prevalent. In some cases there were as many as 50 intermediaries between the peasants and the Government.
Around 4/5th of the produce was taken from the peasants as taxes, which in turn led to impoverishment of farmers.
Focus was not on new ways and bringing the technology in agriculture.
Many farmers losts their lives to famine.
Jujmani system prevalent.
Britishers brought about commercialisation of agriculture
Tinkathia system.
It was hard for peasant communities, at large, to arrange food for themselves throughout the year, though they were the real producers of the food. Measures to improve agriculture were not momentary that could be all done, all of sudden, in 1947, rather these measures were brought about throughout the journey of Independent India.
Changes took place after independence :
Large dam systems were introduced for producing electricity and irrigation.
Canal system was also introduced for irrigation, although agriculture still, largely, depends on monsoon.
Land reforms took place.
Zamidari system was abolished.
Taxes on agricultural produce is, now, Zero.
Tenancy Act was brought to give rights to tenant farmers.
Redistribution of land. However, it was a failure.
Green revolution.
Monetisation of village economy.
Agriculture was made a part of priority sector lending for schedule commercial banks.
NABARD was established.
Emphasised was given to Farmers organisations or producers organisations and self help group.
Policies like insurance scheme, soil health card, etc were introduced.