Agricultural Sector–I

Agricultural Sector–I Hey Mumbai University SYBA IDOL students!  Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Indian Economy , exploring  about – “Agricultural Sector–I“.  In this session, we are going to talk about the agricultural sector in India and understand its importance and current condition. Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, but it still faces many problems. We will begin by discussing why Indian agriculture is considered backward and traditional in nature. Then, we will look at the causes of low productivity in Indian agriculture – in simple words, why we are not able to produce enough crops compared to other countries. Next, we will understand the role of agriculture in economic development – how farming helps in the growth of our country’s economy and provides jobs to many people. After that, we’ll take a quick look at agricultural inputs – like seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and machinery – all the things farmers use to grow crops. We’ll also learn about the Agricultural Price Policy, which is about how the government helps in fixing fair prices for agricultural products. And finally, we’ll talk about the Minimum Support Price (MSP) – the minimum price the government promises to pay farmers to protect them from losses. We’ll keep everything simple so that everyone can understand. So, SYBA IDOL Mumbai University students, get ready to unwrap the “Agricultural Sector–I” with customized IDOL notes  just for you. Let’s jump into this exploration together Follow Us For More Updates Instagram Telegram Whatsapp Question 1 :- Indian agriculture is backward and traditional in nature – Explain   Introduction:                  India has a vast agricultural sector that employs more than half of its population and forms the backbone of the economy. Despite its importance, Indian agriculture remains backward and traditional in nature, primarily because of outdated practices, social and institutional factors, and inadequate infrastructure. This backwardness has been a key obstacle to increasing productivity, ensuring food security, and ensuring the overall economic development of the country. Historically, Indian farmers depended on primitive tools and methods, leading to low yields and subsistence farming. Even today, many farmers continue to use traditional techniques that limit their output and economic progress.  Main Reasons for backward and traditional nature of Indian agriculture:            Indian agriculture is considered backward and traditional in nature due to various historical, social, economic, and technological reasons. The sector has not yet fully adopted modern farming techniques and still relies on age-old practices, which limits productivity and growth.  Use of Outdated Agricultural Techniques: Most Indian farmers continue to use age-old methods like wooden ploughs, bullocks for tilling, and manual labor. Modern inputs such as chemical fertilizers, hybrid seeds, and advanced machinery are used very little. The reliance on biological sources of energy (rain, manure) restricts productivity. Limited Use of Modern Technology: The adoption of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation facilities is very limited. Low mechanization results in low productivity and inefficient farming. Fragmentation of Land Holdings: Due to high land pressure and population growth, land holdings are extremely small and fragmented. Small and scattered plots make it impossible to adopt modern, capital-intensive technology. Poor Infrastructure and Marketing Facilities: Lack of proper irrigation, storage, and transportation systems hampers productivity. Farmers face difficulties in selling their produce at fair prices due to inadequate marketing infrastructure. Low Literacy and Resistance to Change: Most Indian farmers are illiterate or have very low levels of education. Superstitions, conservatism, and traditional beliefs make farmers hesitant to adopt new practices. Inadequate Credit and Financial Support: Farmers have limited access to institutional credit and depend heavily on moneylenders charging exorbitant interest. This indebtedness discourages investment in modern inputs. Dependence on Monsoons and Climate Variability: About 60% of India’s cropped land depend solely on rainfall. Unpredictable rainfall and frequent droughts cause crop failures, reinforcing traditional and subsistence farming practices. Social Structure and Land Tenure System: Zamindari, mahalwari, and ryotwari systems led to exploitation and insecure land rights. These systems discouraged farmers from investing in their land or adopting new technologies. Lack of Education and Awareness: Limited awareness and extension services prevent farmers from knowing newer, better farming methods.  Conclusion:       Indian agriculture’s backward and traditional nature results from a combination of technological backwardness, fragmented holdings, poor infrastructure, social conservatism, and inadequate institutional support. These factors have kept Indian farmers dependent on age-old practices, leading to low productivity and economic stagnation. Addressing these issues through modernization, better education, improved infrastructure, and supportive policies is essential for transforming Indian agriculture into a more efficient and progressive sector. Only then can India hope to achieve balanced rural development and economic growth. Question 2 :- What are the causes of low productivity in Indian agriculture?   Introduction:                          Indian agriculture plays a vital role in the economy, employing more than half of the country’s population and providing food for millions. Despite its importance, Indian agriculture has long suffered from low productivity, which means that the amount of crops produced per hectare or per worker is quite low compared to other countries. This low productivity is one of the major problems facing Indian farmers and the economy as a whole. Several causes contribute to this situation, and understanding these causes can help us find ways to improve agricultural output. The main reasons for low productivity are linked to both technical and institutional factors, as well as environmental issues. These causes have kept Indian agriculture backward and continue to limit future growth.  Causes of Low Productivity in Indian Agriculture: Use of Outdated Farming Techniques: Most Indian farmers still use age-old methods like wooden ploughs, animal labor (bullocks), and manual seed planting. Modern farming techniques, such as chemical fertilizers, hybrid seeds, and mechanization, are used very little. Dependence on traditional methods leads to low yields and inefficient use of resources. Limited Use of Modern Inputs: High-quality seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides are not widely used. Lack of access to modern inputs results in poor crop growth and