OVERVIEW TO AGRICULTURE
Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy for thousands of years. The history of agriculture in India can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE), where people practiced advanced agricultural techniques such as irrigation and crop rotation. Over the centuries, agriculture in India evolved with the introduction of various crops and practices influenced by different rulers, such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals.
The British colonial period (1757–1947) significantly impacted Indian agriculture. The British introduced commercial crops like indigo, cotton, and tea, often at the expense of food crops, leading to famines and food insecurity. The focus was on maximizing revenue rather than improving agricultural productivity or the welfare of farmers.
Post-independence, India faced the daunting challenge of food security. The Green Revolution in the 1960s, led by scientists like Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, marked a significant turning point. High-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, combined with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, transformed India from a food-deficit nation to one of the world's largest producers of cereals.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, even as the country undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization. It contributes about 16-17% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs approximately 50% of the country's workforce, making it the largest source of livelihood in rural areas.
India is one of the world's leading producers of various agricultural commodities. For instance, it is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and jute, the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and groundnuts, and the third-largest producer of tobacco. These statistics underscore the sector's importance not only for domestic consumption but also for exports.
However, despite its significance, the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, fragmented land holdings, inadequate infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change. Addressing these issues is vital for sustaining economic growth and ensuring food security.