How was agriculture affected by the first five year plan of India?
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Agriculture was the main focus of the first five-year plan (1951-1956). It emphasizes the development of the primary sector and increasing agricultural production thus making India self-reliant in food grain production. The following are the effects on agriculture of the first 5-year plan-
1. Institutional or land reforms – It aims at the abolition of the zamindars and intermediaries that exploit farmers. It lays a maximum limit or ceiling on the land holdings to prevent the concentration of land to one person to bring equity between the rich and poor farmers Consolidation of land holdings and cooperative farming is also implemented.
2. Credit facility– Provisions for providing cheap credit which is easily available for the farmers.
3. Irrigation facility– Irrigation facilities are improved significantly for better production and agricultural yield. Dams are also built by the government to provide water to fields ( Eg-Tehri dam)
4. Modern agricultural implements– The use of scientific farming techniques, high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides are encouraged to get a better yield.
5. Research centers – Various research centers are established by the government to conduct research work on agriculture.
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.
Impact of the First Five-Year Plan on Agriculture in India
The first five-year plan in India, implemented from 1951 to 1956, played a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape of the country. Its impact continues to resonate through subsequent decades, including recent developments. Here’s how agriculture was affected by the plan, with recent examples highlighting its enduring influence:
Land Reforms and Redistribution
One of the key objectives of the first five-year plan was to address the issue of unequal land distribution. Recent examples of land reforms can be seen in states like Kerala, where initiatives to redistribute land to landless farmers have been ongoing, aiming to create a more equitable distribution of agricultural resources.
Irrigation Infrastructure Development
The plan emphasized the importance of improving irrigation facilities to enhance agricultural productivity. Recent examples include the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), a flagship scheme that focuses on creating sustainable water sources for irrigation, benefiting farmers across the country.
Adoption of Modern Agricultural Practices
Efforts were made to introduce modern agricultural techniques and technologies to boost agricultural output. Recent examples of this can be seen in the adoption of precision farming techniques, use of drones for crop monitoring, and the promotion of organic farming practices in states like Sikkim.
Crop Diversification and High-Yielding Varieties
The first five-year plan encouraged crop diversification and the adoption of high-yielding variety seeds. Recent examples of crop diversification efforts can be observed in states like Punjab, where there has been a shift towards diversifying from traditional wheat and rice crops to include fruits, vegetables, and pulses.
Rural Infrastructure Development
Investments were made in developing rural infrastructure to support agricultural growth. Recent examples include the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to rural areas, facilitating better access to markets for farmers.
Conclusion
The first five-year plan laid the foundation for the transformation of Indian agriculture, with its impact still visible in various initiatives and policies aimed at improving the sector’s productivity and sustainability. By focusing on land reforms, irrigation, modern practices, crop diversification, and rural infrastructure development, the plan set the stage for the growth and development of agriculture in India, a legacy that continues to shape the sector today.
The First Five Year Plan of India (1951-1956) had a significant impact on the agricultural sector of the country. Here are some of the key ways in which agriculture was affected during this plan period: