At the time of independence , agricultural sector contributed 58.7% to national income. agriculture is the main occupation at the time of independence and approx 73%peple depends on agriculture for occupation

The Condition of Agriculture Sector at the Time of Independence

Introduction:
At the time of India's independence in 1947, the agricultural sector played a crucial role in the country's economy. However, it was plagued by various challenges and issues that hindered its growth and development.

Lack of Modern Techniques:
- The agriculture sector in India heavily relied on traditional farming methods, which were labor-intensive and inefficient.
- The use of modern techniques, such as mechanization, improved seeds, and fertilizers, was limited.
- As a result, productivity levels were low, and farmers struggled to meet the growing demands of the population.

Fragmented Landholdings:
- Another significant challenge was the fragmented landholdings in rural areas.
- Due to the prevalent system of zamindari and tenancy, large portions of agricultural land were owned by landlords, while the majority of farmers held small and fragmented plots.
- This fragmentation made it difficult for farmers to adopt modern farming practices and hindered economies of scale.

Lack of Irrigation Facilities:
- The availability of water for irrigation was limited, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country.
- As a result, agriculture was largely dependent on monsoon rains, making it vulnerable to droughts and unpredictable weather patterns.
- The lack of irrigation facilities also affected crop diversification and restricted the cultivation of high-value crops.

Poverty and Indebtedness:
- The majority of farmers at the time lived in poverty and faced significant levels of indebtedness.
- They often had to rely on moneylenders for loans, who charged exorbitant interest rates, trapping farmers in a cycle of debt.
- This financial burden further constrained their ability to invest in agricultural inputs and modern farming practices.

Infrastructure and Marketing Challenges:
- The absence of robust infrastructure, such as storage facilities and transportation networks, posed significant challenges for the agricultural sector.
- Farmers faced difficulties in storing and preserving their produce, leading to post-harvest losses.
- The lack of well-established marketing channels and price discovery mechanisms resulted in low returns for farmers and limited their bargaining power.

Conclusion:
At the time of independence, the agriculture sector in India faced numerous challenges, ranging from outdated farming techniques to fragmented landholdings and inadequate irrigation facilities. The prevalent poverty and indebtedness among farmers further aggravated the situation. Addressing these issues and implementing reforms in the agricultural sector became a crucial priority for the newly independent nation.