State and explain the condition of Indian agriculture on the eve of independence.

Question

Accepted Answer

Indian agriculture on the eve of independence was in a stagnant and backward state. Key conditions:

1. **Predominance of Agriculture:** 85% of population depended on agriculture, yet India was not self-sufficient in food.

2. **Zamindari System:** Introduced by British, it exploited farmers through high revenue collections (lagaan). Zamindars were intermediaries who did nothing to improve agriculture.

3. **Commercialisation of Agriculture:** Farmers were forced to produce cash crops (cotton, jute) for British industries instead of food crops, leading to food shortages and famines.

4. **Low Productivity:** Lack of technology, irrigation facilities, and fertilizers resulted in perpetually low productivity.

5. **Scarcity of Investment:** Farmers had no resources or incentive to invest in agriculture.

6. **Adverse Effects of Partition:** A sizeable portion of fertile land went to Pakistan, affecting jute production.