Technological And Institutional Reforms

Technological Reforms:

• The Persian wheel has now been replaced by the water plough by the tiller and harrow drawn by tractors, bullock carts by trucks.
• All weather roads and faster means of communications have been introduced.
• Flooding of fields are now been replaced by drip irrigation and use of sprinkles.
• Chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, HYV and early maturing quality seeds have been developed.

Institutional Reforms:

• Government abolished the zamindari system followed with consolidation of small land holdings.
• Widespread use of radio and television for providing knowledge to formers in new and improved techniques and special weather bulletins have been introduced.
• Crop insurance to protect the farmers against loses by natural and man – made calamities.
• Availability of capital or investment through banks and cooperative societies.
• Minimum support price for various crops ensures minimum price for the crop grown by the farmers.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some schemes introduced by the government for the benefit of farmers.

GROWTH RATE IN AGRICULTURE IS DECELERATING:

• Indian farmers are facing a big challenge from international competition.
• Reduction in the public investment in agriculture sector particularly in irrigation, power, rural roads, market and mechanization.
• Subsidy or fertilizers is decreased leading to increase in the cost of production.
• Reduction in import duties on agricultural products have proved detrimental to agriculture in the country.
• Farmers are withdrawing their investment from agriculture causing a downfall in the employment in agriculture.