Question

Which among the following statements are true about the institutional and technological reforms in the Indian agricultural sector post-independence?

• A. Agricultural Price Commissions were set up to provide remunerative prices to farmers.
• B. The area of land under cultivation of non-food crops increased implying changes in cropping patterns.
• C. The use of technology in agricultural inputs like HYV seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, irrigation decreased productivity.
• D. Fluctuations in crop output led to deficiencies in achieving food security and income stability.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

Fluctuations in crop output led to deficiencies in achieving food security and income stability.

According to sources, post-independence, the agricultural sector contributed 20% to India's GDP and 50% to total employment. India undertook technological and institutional reforms to improve productivity and achieve food security. Reforms were undertaken to change land ownership. Modern technological inputs were provided to improve productivity. Uneconomic fragmented landholdings in India hindered the use of modern inputs and the development of irrigation and development systems.