Despite the significant increase in agricultural production in India during the last few decades, it has not resulted in an overall improvement in living conditions of the farming community.
Different levels of analysis such as socio-cultural, economic and institutional are identified and assessed against the background of social exclusion and marginalisation of farmers.
Agriculture provides a livelihood for more than 60% of India’s population, so this sector needs some serious technical and institutional reforms.
The Green Revolution and the White Revolution were some of the reforms initiated by people to improve agriculture.
Although these revolutions had an immediate effect on increasing agricultural production, one can hardly say that they brought about any significant change in the farmer’s life. Moreover, both failed to prevent erosion of natural resources causing widespread environmental problems.
The technological and institutional reforms made in the field of agriculture are:
- Land reforms: Collectivization, consolidation of holdings, cooperation and abolition of zamindari.
- Agricultural reforms: Green Revolution and White Revolution.
- Land development programmes: Provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone etc., establishment of Grameen banks, Cooperative societies and banks for providing loans.
- Issuing of Kisan Credit Card and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, etc.
- Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers on radio and TV.
