With reference to the agricultural sector, consider the following statements: 1. Commercialisation of agriculture improved the food security of farmers. 2. Lack of irrigation facilities aggravated the plight of farmers. 3. Flood-control and drainage remained largely neglected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The question pertains to the state of the Indian agricultural sector during the British colonial rule. This period was characterized by stagnation, low productivity, and structural deficiencies, despite the introduction of certain market-oriented changes. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The commercialisation of agriculture involved a shift from cultivating food crops for self-consumption to cultivating cash crops (such as cotton, jute, and indigo) for the market. While this integrated Indian agriculture with global markets, it did not improve the food security of farmers. Instead, it often forced them to buy food grains at higher market prices, and the profits from cash crops largely accrued to intermediaries and British trading houses rather than the cultivators. - Statement 2 is Correct. Indian agriculture remained fundamentally dependent on the monsoon. The lack of permanent irrigation facilities meant that agricultural output was highly volatile. When rains failed, it directly aggravated the plight of farmers, leading to frequent famines and economic distress. - Statement 3 is Correct. While the colonial administration invested significantly in railways and ports to facilitate trade, investment in agricultural infrastructure was minimal. Critical aspects such as flood-control measures, drainage systems, and the desalinization of soil remained largely neglected, contributing to the low aggregate yield of the sector. Key Takeaway: Under colonial rule, the agricultural sector suffered from stagnation due to the neglect of infrastructure (irrigation and drainage) and the forced commercialisation of crops, which compromised the food security of the farming community.

With reference to the agricultural sector,… - NCERT Class 11 Economics MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqmedium

With reference to the agricultural sector, consider the following statements:

Commercialisation of agriculture improved the food security of farmers.
Lack of irrigation facilities aggravated the plight of farmers.
Flood-control and drainage remained largely neglected.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Indian Economic Development · Page 7

Options

A2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The question pertains to the state of the Indian agricultural sector during the British colonial rule. This period was characterized by stagnation, low productivity, and structural deficiencies, despite the introduction of certain market-oriented changes.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The commercialisation of agriculture involved a shift from cultivating food crops for self-consumption to cultivating cash crops (such as cotton, jute, and indigo) for the market. While this integrated Indian agriculture with global markets, it did not improve the food security of farmers. Instead, it often forced them to buy food grains at higher market prices, and the profits from cash crops largely accrued to intermediaries and British trading houses rather than the cultivators.
Statement 2 is Correct. Indian agriculture remained fundamentally dependent on the monsoon. The lack of permanent irrigation facilities meant that agricultural output was highly volatile. When rains failed, it directly aggravated the plight of farmers, leading to frequent famines and economic distress.
Statement 3 is Correct. While the colonial administration invested significantly in railways and ports to facilitate trade, investment in agricultural infrastructure was minimal. Critical aspects such as flood-control measures, drainage systems, and the desalinization of soil remained largely neglected, contributing to the low aggregate yield of the sector.

Key Takeaway:

Under colonial rule, the agricultural sector suffered from stagnation due to the neglect of infrastructure (irrigation and drainage) and the forced commercialisation of crops, which compromised the food security of the farming community.

Your note

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