General Agricultural Facts and Historical Milestones in Agriculture

 

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and has played a crucial role in shaping societies and civilizations throughout history. Derived from the Latin word, where "Agric" or "Ager" means soil or land and "cultura" means cultivation, agriculture essentially refers to the tilling of soil or the cultivation of soil to produce food, fiber, and fuel. It is a broad term encompassing various activities such as crop production, livestock farming, fisheries, forestry, and more.

What is Agriculture?

Agriculture involves the activity of humans for the optimum use of terrestrial resources like land and water to produce food, fiber, and fuel. Indian agriculture is predominantly a ‘subsistence type’ of farming, where crops and animal products are generally grown for home consumption rather than sale. Farmers cultivate crops primarily to sustain their families and livelihoods.

Important Agricultural Years and Events in India and the World

The history of agriculture is marked by several significant events and developments that have contributed to its growth and modernization. Here are some key milestones:

• 1870: Establishment of the Joint Department of Agriculture, Revenue, and Commerce.
• 1878: Introduction of higher education in agriculture at Coimbatore.
• 1880: Appointment of the Famine Commission.
• 1881: Creation of a separate department for agriculture.
• 1890: Expansion of higher education in agriculture at Pune.
• 1891: Dr. John Augustus Voelcker's report on improving Indian agriculture.
• 1905: Establishment of the Imperial (now Indian) Agricultural Research Institute at Pusa, Bihar (now Delhi).
• 1924: Formation of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
• 1926: Royal Commission on Agriculture led by Lord Linlithgow.
• 1929: Formation of the Imperial (now Indian) Council of Agricultural Research at Delhi.

Key Agricultural Developments (1942-1990)

• 1942: The Department of Food was created and the Grow More Food campaign was started.
• 1946: Directorate of Plant Protection & Quarantine established.
• 1947: Formation of the Food Policy Committee.
• 1957: Launch of the first All India Coordinated Improvement Project focusing on Maize.
• 1960: Introduction of the Intensive Agriculture District Programme (IADP).
• 1963: Establishment of the National Seed Corporation (NSC).
• 1965: Intensive Agriculture Area Programme (IAAP) launched.
• 1965-67: Green Revolution in India due to the introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, increased use of fertilizers, construction of dams, and pesticides.
• 1966: Multiple cropping schemes, Directorate of Extension, and High Yielding Varieties program (HYV’P).
• 1970: Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) and the National Commission on Agriculture.
• 1971: All India Coordinated Research Project for dryland agriculture.
• 1973: Introduction of the Minikit Trials Program and publication of ‘No-tillage Farming’ by Philips and Young.
• 1974: First no-till demonstrations conducted in Brazil and Argentina.
• 1974: Command Area Development - Maharashtra became the first state to establish an official seed certification agency during 1970; Karnataka became the first state to establish an autonomous seed certification agency in 1974.
• 1976: Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) started.
• 1977: Training & Visit system (T&V) introduced.
• 1979: National Agricultural Research Project (NARP).
• 1982: National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) established, along with development of the first glyphosate-resistant transgenic crop.
• 1985: National Agricultural Extension Project (NAEP).
• 1990: National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP).

Conclusion

The evolution of agriculture in India has been marked by consistent efforts toward modernization, research, and development. From the Green Revolution to the introduction of new crop varieties and rural development programs, agriculture continues to adapt and thrive to meet the demands of a growing population. Understanding the historical context and key milestones helps appreciate the role agriculture plays in sustaining livelihoods and the economy.