Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Post-independence agricultural development in India was driven by institutional reforms (Land Reforms) and technological interventions (Green Revolution) aimed at addressing food insecurity and structural inequities in the agrarian economy.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The abolition of intermediaries, particularly the Zamindari system, was the primary focus of the initial phase of land reforms immediately after Independence. This aimed to confer ownership rights to the actual tillers of the land.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) prioritized the primary sector, specifically agriculture and irrigation, to address the immediate food crisis and inflation. It was the Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961) that shifted the focus towards rapid industrialization and heavy industries.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Green Revolution, initiated in the mid-1960s, introduced High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and improved irrigation. This resulted in a substantial increase in food grain production, particularly in wheat and rice, making India self-sufficient in food grains.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The First Five Year Plan focused on agriculture to ensure food security, whereas the Second Plan focused on heavy industry. The Green Revolution represented a technological shift, while Zamindari abolition was a structural institutional reform.