Correct option is D
The post-reform period (1991 onwards) in India was characterized by economic liberalization, which significantly impacted the agricultural sector. The primary reasons for the deceleration in agricultural growth include:
Deceleration in public and general investment in agriculture (Correct):
- The economic reforms focused more on industrial and service sectors, leading to reduced public investment in agriculture.
- Subsidies for irrigation, power, and fertilizers declined, affecting production.
Dwindling farm size (Correct):
- Due to population pressure and land fragmentation, the average farm size in India has decreased over time, reducing productivity.
- Small landholdings make mechanization and scientific farming difficult.
Failure to develop new technologies (Correct):
- After the Green Revolution, agricultural research stagnated.
- Adoption of high-yield varieties and modern technology slowed, leading to productivity decline.
Information Booster:
Key Issues in Post-Reform Agricultural Growth:
- Reduced Public Expenditure: Agricultural infrastructure saw low investment, affecting irrigation and productivity.
- Land Fragmentation:Average farm size fell from 2.28 hectares (1970-71) to 1.08 hectares (2015-16), reducing efficiency.
- Low R&D in Agriculture:Declining government funding led to a slowdown in developing new seed varieties and sustainable techniques.
- Dependence on Monsoon: Lack of irrigation expansion made agriculture vulnerable to climate variability.
Additional Information
Progressive land reforms (Incorrect):
- Land reforms aim to improve land distribution and increase productivity, which is beneficial for agriculture.
- Progressive land reforms do not cause deceleration; rather, their absence or ineffective implementation does.
English
10 Questions
20 Marks
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