NCERT · Class 10 · Social Science · Geography: AgricultureDiscuss the various technological and institutional reforms introduced by the Government of India in the agricultural sector after independence.

Introduction to Agricultural Reforms in India\nAgriculture sustains a major portion of the Indian population. In the years following independence, low productivity and stagnant growth posed serious threats to food security. To overcome these challenges, the Government of India introduced comprehensive technological and institutional reforms in a phased manner.

1. Institutional Reforms

• Abolition of Zamindari System: Right after independence, laws were enacted to abolish the zamindari system and put an end to the exploitation of actual cultivators by intermediaries.
• Land Consolidation: Fragmented land holdings were consolidated into single, economically viable blocks to promote efficient farming operations and reduce wastage of land boundaries.
• Land Ceiling Acts: Legislation was passed to set limits on the maximum amount of land an individual or family could own, aiming to redistribute surplus land among landless farmers and marginalized sections.
• Financial and Cooperative Support: Establishment of rural cooperative societies, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and commercial banks to provide cheap institutional credit to farmers through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS).
• Crop Insurance: Introduction of comprehensive crop insurance schemes to protect farmers against losses caused by droughts, floods, cyclones, fire, and pests.

2. Technological Reforms

• Green Revolution (1960s-1970s): Introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and modern machinery transformed traditional farming, especially for wheat and rice in northwestern states.
• White Revolution (Operation Flood): Focused on dairy development and increasing milk production through cooperative networks and improved cattle breeding.
• Modern Agricultural Machinery: Promotion of tractors, threshers, harvesters, and water pump sets to reduce physical labor and save operational time.
• Agricultural Extension and Broadcasting: Regular weather bulletins, agricultural programs on Doordarshan, and specialized Kisan Channels providing expert advice on soil testing, pest control, and market prices to empower farmers technologically.