In the chapter, 'commercialisation of agriculture' has been cited as a reason for the dismal state of farmers at the time of Independence. In the context of the present time, do you think that such a concern over commercialisation of agriculture is justified?

Question

Accepted Answer

No, I do not think that the concern over commercialisation of agriculture is justified in the present time.

Commercialisation of agriculture involves raising crops and livestock to sell for a profit. The goal of commercial agriculture is to make profits by maximising crop yields through labour-saving techniques, use of fertilisers, hybrid seeds and use of farming machinery.

Commercialisation of agriculture helps to increase productivity. In the present context, it is of utmost importance because to feed the ever-growing population, the productivity of agriculture has to be increased, which is possible only by promoting commercial agriculture.

The concern during the colonial period was valid because commercialisation was forced and it destroyed the self-sufficiency of village economies. Today, however, it is a tool for modernising agriculture and improving the living standards of farmers.