Indian Agricultural Scenario

Being in the 21st century, and looking back at the five decades since Independence, the agricultural scenario in the country appearsto be one of quiet satisfaction and optimism. Changes in agrarian relationship : The feudal order inherited from the colonial administration at Independence was stiflingagriculture growth. Stratification of rural society into several layers of tenants, subtenants and landlords, almost completelyalienated the cultivator from the land. There was scarcely any incentive to invest in land and increase productivity.

Agrarian reforms to abolish the old order and empower the tiller of the land were initiated by several States in the early 1950sthrough Land Reform legislation. Multiple land tenures were replaced by a simplified uniform system whereby almost all cultivatorswere accorded proprietary rights. The abolition of Seminary was a major step toward a more equitable agrarian structure, one thatencouraged investment in land and therefore led to gains in productivity. Another major step in agrarian reform was the consolidation of fragmented landholdings through legislation by various States. Consolidation has been one of the most successful programmes for agricultural growth, which has increased private investment inland and enhanced production. The Imposition of Ceiling on Landholding Acts of the 1960s which placed a ceiling on ownership ofdifferent categories of land and ensured redistribution of surplus lands to the rural landless was a further step towards a moreequitable agrarian order.

Land reforms of the 1970s provided for redistribution of land leasing out of surplus common village lands tothe poor and landless in the rural areas, especially the scheduled castes and tribes. Recent refinements to this include that the landbe leased jointly to both husband and wife as against the old system of male member only.Green Revolution : The thrust of agricultural growth in the country can be observed in three distinct phases with the GreenRevolution as watershed. The pre–Green Revolution phase was characterized by production gains achieved largely through areaexpansion. The Green Revolution, marked by productivity increases through the use of high yielding technology and modern inputshas been the major instrument behind the impressive gains in food grain output in India.Towards diversification : The third phase of agricultural growth is emanating from the diversification and commercialization ofagriculture.

In response to an expanding rural and urban middle class, as well as growing opportunities for international trade,farmers are diversifying into high value crops, horticulture, floriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and sericulture. There has beencommendable progress in the field of dairy, oilseeds, sugarcane and cotton. At 69 million metric tons India is one of the largestproducers of milk in the world.Milk production quadrupled from 17 million at independence to 69 million metric tons at present (popularly known as the WhiteRevolution). Fish production rose from 7.5 million to nearly 50 million metric tons during the last five decades (Blue Revolution).Oilseed production increased five times around five million to 25 million metric tons since independence (Yellow Revolution). Sugarcaneproduction has risen fivefold from 57 million to 270 million metric tons. Cotton production has registered an increase from three millionto 15 million bales. India is the largest producer of fruit in the world and the second largest producer of vegetables.