UPPSC Mains

Pranav Shah Learner

July 11, 2024

The performance of the Indian agriculture sector since independence has been mixed, with both positive and negative trends. Here’s an overview of the sector’s growth and the policies that have shaped it:

Early years (1947-1960s):

Self-sufficiency: The Indian government focused on achieving self-sufficiency in food production to reduce dependence on imports. The Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug, introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat, which significantly increased crop yields.
Cooperative farming: The government promoted cooperative farming to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity.
Post-Green Revolution (1970s-1980s):

Continued growth: The sector continued to grow, with a focus on increasing foodgrain production and reducing poverty.
Irrigation development: The government invested in irrigation infrastructure to support agriculture.
Price support policies: The government implemented price support policies to stabilize farm prices and protect farmers from market fluctuations.
Reforms and challenges (1990s-2000s):

Liberalization and globalization: India’s economic liberalization led to increased competition and exposure to international markets.
Droughts and crop failures: Droughts in 1987, 1993, and 2002 led to crop failures, affecting agricultural production and income.
Farm debt crisis: Farmers’ debt burdens increased due to decreasing crop prices, leading to a crisis in the sector.
Recent developments (2010s-present):

Doubling Farmers’ Income: The Narendra Modi government launched the “Doubling Farmers’ Income” initiative to increase farmers’ income by 2022.
Digitalization and technology: The government has promoted digitalization and technology adoption in agriculture through initiatives like e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) and soil health cards.
Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government introduced MSP for various crops to ensure a minimum price guarantee for farmers.