Agriculture is the backbone of our country. Nearly 65 per cent of the population indulge in the agriculture sector either directly or indirectly. The agriculture sector contributes almost 20 per cent to GDP. Around 55 per cent of the population is employed in this particular sector. Agriculture was and is the most crucial sector of the Indian economy. Agricultural evolution is still taking place, and fortunately, it is going in the right direction.
By analysing all these figures, we can see how important the agriculture sector is for India. This blog will discuss the evolution of agriculture in India.
Agricultural evolution in India
Historical evidence suggests that agriculture evolution took place during the Indus valley civilization. In some Vedic literature, the agricultural revolution has been discussed. Some historical evidence suggested that agriculture in India was recorded in 9000 B.C.There are different pieces of evidence showing different timings of the farming process. However, one thing is to confirm that the agricultural revolution is as old as ADAM in India. As time passed, Gradually, the two monsoons resulted in two harvests in one year, and from thereon, the Indian products reached trading networks. In the Middle Ages, irrigation channels came to a new level of sophistication. Then, our yields were affected by the economies of other regions of the world under Islamic patronage. Due to which there was a setback for this sector. After the Mughals, Britishers came into the picture, but fortune never changed in the agriculture sector. Britishers have exploited the farmers by charging them unreasonable taxes on their land and crops. Fortunately, India got their independence in 1947.
Agriculture after independence of India
India was under colonial rule for about 200 years till 1947. After independence, there were many challenges like poverty, lack of infrastructure etc. agriculture remained the most crucial sector. In the 1950s, our country’s agriculture was stasis. In 1950-51, India produced around 55 million tonnes of Food grain, which was insufficient to feed 350 million. It led India to import food grains. However, in the mid-1960s, India started to progress into the green revolution era.
The green revolution was started in 1965 when India imported 18,000 tonnes of High Yield Variety of seeds from Mexico. MS Swaminathan founded this revolution. These High Yield Variety seeds in co-occurrence with the increased use of fertilizers and irrigation resulted in a boost in production. As a result, by the early 1970s, India attained food security and reduced its food grains from a foreign country. However, still, the agriculture sector cannot be said to be developed. There are lots of problems facing the agriculture sector. Now let us talk about the future of the agriculture sector in India.
Future of agriculture in India
The future of agriculture depends on the fact that how India will use new technologies. Modern agriculture technologies are the future of the agriculture sector. The use of new modern technologies can only fulfil increasing demands. Talking about the adoption of technology for ease in agriculture production in India, several evolving measures took place after the green revolution in India. The farmers have come to realize the benefits of sustainable agricultural development, which implies making efforts to meet the needs of 1/3rd of the world’s population without reducing the options of the next generation.
Using modern technologies can be challenging. For example, new technologies such as tractors are costly, although some are available at affordable prices, such as John Deere 5105. The government is taking measures to ensure the growth of the agriculture sector. The government provides reasonable subsidies and financial help to farmers as we all know how important the agriculture sector is.
Sustainable agriculture is the need of the hour.
Sustainable agriculture is today’s need. It benefits the agriculture sector and will also give a boost to the environment and health sector.
The better quality of crops can only achieve sustainable agriculture, new breeds of cattle etc. future of agriculture is a bright subject to achieve sustainable development. Farmers need to ensure proper use of technology and resources, which automatically results in the growth of the agriculture sector. Modern technology is beneficial in achieving the desired aims such as high productivity, saving energy, etc.
Conclusion
As we analysed the agricultural revolution, we can conclude that agriculture in India is not a new thing. The agriculture sector remains the most critical sector of India. This sector can achieve new heights with the help of modern technologies and proper planning. Agriculture sector needs to be developed if India wants to develop as a nation. Proper policies and political will is needed to give a rise to this sector.
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