The First Five-Year Plan of India (1951-1956) significantly impacted agriculture by prioritizing it as a key sector to address food scarcity and boost productivity. Nearly 31% of the plan’s total outlay was allocated to agriculture, focusing on irrigation, land reforms, and rural infrastructure. Major irrigation projects like Bhakra-Nangal and Damodar Valley were initiated to improve water availability for farming.

Land reforms aimed at redistributing land and abolishing the zamindari system sought to reduce disparities in land ownership and secure tenant farmers’ rights. Community development programs established extension services to educate farmers on modern techniques, fertilizers, and improved seeds, while developing rural infrastructure like roads, markets, and storage facilities.

The plan also emphasized agricultural research and education by strengthening research institutions and launching training programs for farmers and agricultural workers. Improved credit facilities through cooperative banks and financial institutions provided easier access to loans, aiding farmers in investing in better farming practices.

These efforts led to increased food grain production and steps toward self-sufficiency in food. The First Five-Year Plan laid the foundation for modernizing Indian agriculture, addressing critical issues, and setting the stage for future agricultural development.

The major sources of stress for working women in India are multifaceted, involving work, family, societal pressures, economic challenges, health issues, and commuting difficulties. At work, heavy workloads, tight deadlines, gender discrimination, and limited career progression opportunities are significant stressors. Balancing professional duties with household responsibilities, childcare, and elder care adds to their stress. Cultural expectations and societal judgments often pressure women to prioritize family over career, while lack of support systems exacerbates the situation.

Economic pressures include the need to contribute significantly to the family income and manage household expenses, along with the stress related to the return on investment for their education and career aspirations. Health-related stressors arise from prolonged stress, inadequate rest, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Additionally, long commuting hours in congested and often unsafe conditions, along with safety concerns, further contribute to their stress levels.

Addressing these stressors requires a comprehensive approach, including organizational changes to create supportive work environments, policy support for better childcare and elder care options, shifts in family and societal attitudes to support working women, and personal coping strategies to manage stress effectively.