Features of Indian Agriculture on the Eve of Independence

Introduction:
Indian agriculture on the eve of independence was characterized by a number of distinct features that shaped the sector and its development. These features can be attributed to the historical, social, and economic factors that prevailed during that time.

1. Subsistence Agriculture:
- The majority of Indian farmers practiced subsistence agriculture, which focused on producing enough food for their own consumption.
- The farms were typically small in size and lacked advanced technology and modern farming techniques.

2. Dependence on Monsoons:
- Indian agriculture heavily relied on the monsoon rains, as irrigation facilities were limited.
- Farmers were highly vulnerable to the uncertainties of the monsoon, which often led to crop failures and food shortages.

3. Fragmented Landholdings:
- Landholdings in India were fragmented and characterized by small and scattered plots.
- This fragmentation hindered mechanization and economies of scale in agriculture, making it difficult for farmers to adopt modern farming practices.

4. Traditional Farming Methods:
- Traditional and age-old farming practices were prevalent, which often involved manual labor and outdated techniques.
- The use of modern machinery, fertilizers, and high-yielding varieties of crops was limited.

5. Lack of Infrastructure:
- The agricultural infrastructure was inadequate, with limited access to proper transportation, storage facilities, and market linkages.
- This lack of infrastructure resulted in post-harvest losses and restricted farmers' ability to sell their produce at fair prices.

6. Low Productivity:
- Productivity levels in Indian agriculture were relatively low due to various factors such as the use of traditional farming methods, limited access to credit and resources, and lack of education and awareness among farmers.

7. Dependence on Cash Crops:
- Indian agriculture was heavily dependent on cash crops like cotton, jute, and indigo, which were grown for commercial purposes and export.
- The focus on cash crops led to neglect of food crops, resulting in food shortages and an imbalanced agricultural system.

Conclusion:
The features of Indian agriculture on the eve of independence reflected the challenges and limitations faced by the sector at that time. These factors shaped the trajectory of agricultural development in post-independence India and laid the foundation for subsequent reforms and initiatives aimed at modernizing and improving the sector.