Explain the measures made by government to improve Indian agriculture.

(i) ‘Land reform’ was the main focus of our First Five Year Plan. Thus, collectivisation, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari, etc. were given priority to bring about institutional reforms in India after Independence.

(ii) Multipurpose projects were started and dams and canals were constructed for irrigation, electricity and flood control.

(iii) The Green Revolution based on the use of package technology and the White Revolution (Operation Flood) were some of the strategies initiated to improve the lot of Indian agriculture.

(iv) In the 1980s and 1990s, a comprehensive land development programme was initiated which included both institutional and technical reforms.

(v) Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease were made.

(vi) Grameen banks, cooperative societies and banks were established to provide loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest.

(vii) Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some other schemes introduced by the Government of India for the benefit of the farmers.

(viii) Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers were introduced on the radio and television.

(ix) The government also announces minimum support price (MSP), remunerative and procurement prices for important crops to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen.