explain the features of the comprehensive land development programme initiated in India in the 1980s and 1990s.
In the 1980s and 1990s a comprehensive land development programme was initiated, which included both institutional andtechnical reformsTechnological reforms :- Highyielding and early maturing seeds are developed. They are now being increasingly used to raise productivity. Chemical fertilizers are being used on a large scale to increases farm yields and productivity. They are now beingsupplemented by bio fertilizers which greatly add to the fertility of the soil. Irrigation methods- the flooding of water is now being replaced by drip- irrigation and the use of sprinklers. The water pump replaced the Persian wheel, the plough by tiller and harrow drawn by the tractor, the bullock cart by truckInstitutional reforms :- LAND REFORMS it was the main focus of our first five year plan. The right of inheritance had already lead to fragmentationof land holidays necessitating consolidation of land holdings.a) Consolidation of land holiding - the government took the step of promoting consolidation of small and scatteredholdings through chakbandi. The larger plots have become economically more productive. They save farmers time,money and energy.b) Abolition of zamindari zamindari system was abolished. Farmers became land owners. Earlier cultivated land wasowned by the zamindars who themselves did not cultivate the land, instead they exploited the actual cultivators. Onbecoming the owners of the land, the peasants took cultivation seriously. Agriculture production started increasing. Provision for crop insurance provision for crop insurance against drought, flood, cyclone, fire, and disease wasanother step to provide protection to the farmers against losses caused by these calamities. Loan facilities grameen banks, cooperative societies and banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lowerrates of interest were some important steps in this direction. Special bulletins and agricultural programme special weather bulletins and agricultural programme for farmerswere introduced on the radio and TV. Minimum support price the government also announces minimum support price, remunerative and procurementprices for important crops to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middle men.OTHER SCHEMES kisan credit card, personal accident insurance scheme are some other schemes introduced by the government ofIndia for the benefit of farmers.
