Technological and Institutional Reforms
In India, agriculture has been a crucial part of the economy, engaging over 60% of its population. However, the sector has faced serious challenges attributed to outdated practices and reliance on natural rainfall, hindering productivity.
To address these issues, technological and institutional reforms are essential. These include:
- Collectivisation and Consolidation of Holdings: This process aims to combine small-scale farms to increase efficiency.
- Cooperative Farming and Abolition of Zamindari: These reforms ensure fairer land distribution and better support for farmers.
- Government Initiatives: The Indian government has introduced various reforms since the 1960s and 1970s. Notable initiatives include the Green Revolution, which promoted high-yield varieties of crops and modern agricultural techniques, and the White Revolution (Operation Flood), which aimed at boosting milk production. Despite these efforts, growth remained concentrated in certain areas, necessitating comprehensive development programs in the following decades.
- Support Systems: The establishment of Grameen banks for affordable loans, introduction of Kissan Credit Cards, crop insurance schemes, and farmer education through media are critical steps supporting farmers in modernization.
These reforms underscore the need for continuous adaptation in agriculture to achieve sustainable growth and meet the increasing food demand for the growing population.