GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -At the time of independence, old and outdated methods of farming were used in the agriculture sector. There was insufficient use of fertilisers and other machines. Agriculture was excessively dependent upon rainfall. Good rainfall implied good output, while poor rainfall implied poor output.

Detailed explanation-2: -Commercialization of agriculture: To maintain the continuous cheap supply of raw materials from India, the colonial government forced Indian farmers to grow commercial crops such as indigo, tea, and coffee instead of food crops. This resulted in the shortage of food grains and a dismal state of the sector.

Detailed explanation-3: -One of the primary reasons for the cause of stagnation in India’s agricultural sector was the zamindari system. This agricultural system was mainly practiced in Bengal, which was the then capital of British India. As per this system, the majority of the profits went tolan downers, i.e. zamindars instead of cultivators.

Detailed explanation-4: -Indian economy on the eve of independence was primarily an agricultural economy though industries had also started to develop in different parts of the country. Most of the economy was part of the unorganised sector.