Q: Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India.

Model Answer:

Role of Technology in Agrarian Change in India

Technology has revolutionized the agricultural sector in India, bringing about significant changes in the way farming is done and impacting the lives of millions of farmers. The introduction of modern agricultural technologies, such as advanced machinery, precision farming techniques, and genetically modified crops, has led to a substantial increase in productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the development of improved crop varieties and better resource management practices has helped farmers to achieve higher yields and better quality produce.

However, the adoption of new technologies has also brought about a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges that need to be carefully addressed.

1. Green Revolution

The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s was a turning point in Indian agriculture. It involved the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides, along with modern irrigation techniques. This led to a significant increase in food production, making India self-sufficient in food grains. However, the Green Revolution also had negative consequences, such as soil degradation, groundwater depletion, and increased income inequality among farmers.

2. Mechanization

The use of modern machinery, such as tractors, harvesters, and threshers, has increased efficiency and reduced the dependence on manual labor in Indian agriculture. Mechanization has also helped in reducing drudgery and increasing the area under cultivation. However, it has also led to the displacement of small and marginal farmers who cannot afford these technologies, leading to increased rural unemployment and migration to urban areas.

3. Irrigation

Technological advancements in irrigation, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, have helped in the efficient use of water resources and increased agricultural productivity. However, the over-exploitation of groundwater resources has led to a decline in water tables, posing a threat to the sustainability of agriculture in many regions of India.

4. Biotechnology

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops has the potential to increase crop yields, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and enhance nutritional content. However, the adoption of GM crops in India has been a subject of debate, with concerns about their impact on biodiversity, human health, and the livelihoods of small farmers who may not be able to afford the expensive seeds and associated inputs.

5. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

ICT has played a crucial role in disseminating information on weather, market prices, and government schemes to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions. Mobile phones, internet, and satellite-based technologies have also facilitated precision farming, which helps in optimizing the use of resources and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

6. Market linkages

Technology has helped in connecting farmers to markets, both domestic and international, through online platforms and e-commerce. This has enabled farmers to access better prices for their produce and reduce their dependence on middlemen.

Despite the numerous benefits of technology in Indian agriculture, its adoption has been uneven, with large farmers benefiting more than small and marginal farmers. This has led to widening income disparities and social tensions in rural areas. Moreover, the overemphasis on technology-driven agricultural growth has often ignored the importance of traditional knowledge and sustainable farming practices.

In conclusion, technology has played a significant role in shaping agrarian change in India, contributing to increased productivity and food security. However, it has also raised concerns about environmental sustainability, social equity, and the preservation of traditional knowledge. To ensure that the benefits of technology are shared equitably, there is a need for inclusive policies that promote access to affordable technologies, capacity building, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancements.