Q: Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing ? Justify your answer with illustrations.

Model Answer:

Agrarian Class Structure in India

The agrarian class structure in India has indeed been undergoing significant changes in recent decades. This transformation is deeply rooted in the country’s economic liberalization, technological advancements, and shifting rural-urban dynamics.

To begin, it’s crucial to understand the traditional agrarian class structure in India, which typically consisted of landlords, rich farmers, middle peasants, small peasants, and landless laborers. This structure was largely based on land ownership and caste hierarchies. However, several factors have contributed to its evolution:

1. Land Reforms: Although imperfectly implemented, land reforms have led to some redistribution of land, reducing the power of large landlords and creating a new class of small landowners.

2. Green Revolution: The introduction of high-yielding varieties and modern farming techniques has created a class of prosperous farmers, particularly in regions like Punjab and Haryana. This has led to what sociologist André Béteille terms the “bulge in the middle” of the agrarian structure.

3. Non-Farm Employment: The growth of rural non-farm sectors has provided alternative income sources, blurring the lines between traditional agrarian classes. Many small and marginal farmers now engage in what sociologist Jan Breman calls “footloose labor,” moving between agricultural and non-agricultural work.

4. Contract Farming: The rise of contract farming has introduced new players like agribusiness corporations into the rural landscape, altering power dynamics and creating new forms of dependency, as noted by sociologist Satish Deshpande.

5. Rural-Urban Migration: Large-scale migration to urban areas has led to a shortage of agricultural labor in some regions, changing labor relations and wage structures in rural areas.

6. Feminization of Agriculture: As men migrate to cities, women increasingly take on agricultural roles, leading to what sociologist Bina Agarwal calls the “feminization of agriculture.”

Evidence of these changes can be seen in various studies. For instance, the National Sample Survey data shows a decline in the proportion of cultivators and an increase in agricultural laborers over the past decades. The India Human Development Survey reveals an increase in rural households deriving income from non-agricultural sources.

In conclusion, while elements of the traditional agrarian structure persist, particularly in less developed regions, it’s clear that India’s agrarian class structure is in a state of flux. The changes reflect broader socio-economic transformations and have significant implications for rural development and social equity in India.