"The Indian agricultural sector during the British rule was saddled with low productivity." In the light of the above statement, briefly explain any two reasons behind the low productivity in the Indian agricultural sector. Explain any two salient features of India's foreign trade during the British rule.

Question

Accepted Answer

Indian agricultural sector during British rule was saddled with low productivity. Two reasons:

1. **Lack of Technology and Infrastructure:**
- Low levels of technology
- Lack of irrigation facilities (farmers depended on rainfall)
- Negligible use of fertilizers
- Cultivator had neither means nor incentive to invest in agriculture

2. **Exploitative Land Systems:**
- Zamindari system extracted high revenues without investment in agriculture
- Commercialisation forced production of cash crops instead of food crops
- British rulers spent little on agricultural education

**Impact:**
- Perpetually low productivity
- Frequent famines
- India not self-sufficient in food
- Agricultural sector remained stagnant