Historical Perspective of Indian Agriculture

Agriculture in India has been integral to its civilization, with origins dating back approximately 11,000 years. The domestication of animals and the cultivation of crops such as wheat and barley were pivotal steps in this journey. Ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Mahabharata reference agricultural practices and their cultural significance.

1. Prehistoric Beginnings and Ancient Practices:
   • Early Cultivation: Rice cultivation evidence dates back to 2300 BCE in Lothal, Gujarat.
   • Crop Diversity: The Harappan civilization cultivated crops like wheat, barley, chickpeas, and cotton.
   • Agricultural Knowledge: Texts such as the Rig Veda discussed plowing and irrigation, while the Arthashastra emphasized meteorology and soil categorization.
2. Challenges and Developments:
   • Pre-independence India faced significant famines due to monsoon dependency, with over 30 million deaths caused by events such as the Bengal Famine of 1943.
   • Post-independence, the government emphasized food production with campaigns like “Grow More Food” in 1947.
3. Colonial Influence:
   • The British introduced commercial crops but neglected subsistence agriculture.
   • Infrastructure like canals and railways improved transportation but primarily benefited export-driven crops.
4. Post-Independence Transformations:
   • The establishment of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) spearheaded advancements in agricultural science and education.
   • A shift from food scarcity to self-sufficiency was achieved through systematic efforts.

Key Agricultural Revolutions in India

India’s transformation from a food-deficient nation to a major global food producer is marked by several agricultural revolutions, each symbolized by a specific color to represent focus areas.

1. Green Revolution (Crop Production):
   • Period: Mid-1960s.
   • Key Figures: M.S. Swaminathan and Norman Borlaug.
   • Features: Adoption of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties, improved irrigation, and chemical fertilizers.
   • Impact: Increased food grain production from 51 million tons (1950-51) to 314 million tons (2021-22), ensuring food security.
2. White Revolution (Milk Production):
   • Period: 1970s, Operation Flood led by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
   • Key Figures: Verghese Kurien, known as the “Father of the White Revolution.”
   • Impact: India became the largest global producer of milk, with production rising from 17 million tons (1950-51) to 210 million tons (2021-22).
3. Blue Revolution (Fisheries):
   • Period: 1970s.
   • Key Innovations: Introduction of marine and inland aquaculture technologies.
   • Impact: Fish production surged from 0.8 million tons (1950-51) to 14.2 million tons (2021-22), making India the second-largest fish producer globally.
4. Yellow Revolution (Oilseeds):
   • Period: 1986-1999.
   • Key Initiatives: Technology Mission on Oilseeds.
   • Impact: Boosted oilseed production to achieve near self-sufficiency in edible oils.
5. Golden Revolution (Horticulture and Honey):
   • Period: 1990s-2000s.
   • Features: Focus on fruit and vegetable production, including floriculture and beekeeping.
   • Impact: Increased production of horticultural crops to 333 million tons in 2021-22.
6. Silver Revolution (Egg Production):
   • Period: 1980s.
   • Impact: India became a leading producer of poultry and eggs, with production growing to 122 billion eggs annually by 2021-22.
7. Brown Revolution (Coffee and Non-traditional Crops):
   • Period: 1980s-1990s.
   • Features: Expansion of coffee cultivation in non-traditional areas.

8. Other Revolutions:

   • Red Revolution: Focus on meat and tomato production.
   • Gray Revolution: Emphasis on fertilizer production.
   • Pink Revolution: Modernization of onion, prawn, and pharmaceutical production.