Zamindari system which had been the source of much exploitation under British rule was abolished. Tenant peasants were given the ownership of land against reasonable payments to the zamindars so that they had more initiative to increase agricultural production. In this blog, let us learn about agrarian reforms.

Zamindari system was abolished in most states by 1954. The tracts of land lying fallow were allotted to landless farmers for purposes of cultivation. Tractors, fertilizers, and better scientific methods have been introduced by the government and are extensively being used in various states today.

Loans, marketing facilities, farming know-how, high- yielding varieties of seeds were made available to the farmers to increase the production. Further, to create more awareness among rural people family planning, health awareness, and literacy drives were launched.

In 1982, the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was set up by the Reserve Bank of India to give loans to farmers, cottage industry workers, and village industries. Along with this emphasis was also laid on irrigation facilities.

Agrarian Reforms: Five years plans and agriculture

India is basically an agriculture-based country with nearly 70% of its population dependent on agriculture. Not only does it provide a livelihood to millions of people in India but agricultural products also serve as a source of foreign exchange.

India holds an important position as a producer of sugarcane, jute, peanuts, tea, cereals like rice, jowar, wheat, etc. Given the importance of agriculture and its pitiable state at the time of independence, the Planning Commission put agriculture on its priority list, and hence in all five-year plans, it has received great attention. The Planning Commission was supposed to make efforts to increase agricultural production and this was done through various agrarian reforms.

Read More: What is Economic Planning? Objectives and Five Year Plans - Class 8