Introduction:
Commercial farming refers to the practice of growing crops or raising livestock for sale and profit. It involves large-scale production and is primarily aimed at meeting the demands of the market. Commercial farming differs from subsistence farming, where the primary focus is on producing enough food to sustain the farmer and their family.

Reasons for the Decline of Commercial Farming during Colonial Rule in India:

1. Land Revenue System: The British implemented a land revenue system that imposed heavy taxes and fixed land rent on farmers. This system, known as the Zamindari system, made it difficult for commercial farmers to sustain profitable operations. The fixed rent and heavy taxation often left them with limited resources to invest in their farming activities.

2. Monopolistic Trade Policies: The British colonial rulers adopted monopolistic trade policies that favored the export of raw materials and agricultural products from India. This led to the neglect of domestic markets and limited opportunities for commercial farmers to sell their produce at reasonable prices. The focus on exporting raw materials hindered the growth of industries, which further reduced the demand for agricultural products.

3. Infrastructure: The colonial rulers focused on developing infrastructure primarily for the transportation of raw materials from India to Britain. This led to a lack of investment in infrastructure for the development of markets within India. Inadequate transportation networks and storage facilities made it challenging for commercial farmers to transport and store their produce, resulting in spoilage and reduced profitability.

4. Indebtedness and Usury: The British introduced the system of moneylenders and usurers, who charged exorbitant interest rates on loans provided to farmers. Commercial farmers often had to borrow money for investing in their farming activities, but the high interest rates pushed them into cycles of debt. This indebtedness further limited their ability to invest in modern farming techniques and equipment.

5. Land Alienation: The British introduced laws that facilitated the transfer of land from Indian farmers to the British elites and moneylenders. Large tracts of land were converted into plantations or given to British landlords, leaving the Indian farmers with smaller landholdings. This fragmentation of land reduced the scale of commercial farming and made it less economically viable.

Conclusion:
The decline of commercial farming during colonial rule in India can be attributed to factors such as the land revenue system, monopolistic trade policies, inadequate infrastructure, indebtedness, and land alienation. These factors hindered the profitability and growth of commercial farming, leading to a decline in its practice. The impact of these policies and practices was detrimental to the Indian agricultural sector, contributing to the overall economic exploitation of the country during colonial rule.

It is farming done for commercial purpose