The commercialisation of agriculture in India occurred during British colonial rule from the mid-18th century to 1947. This shift transformed farming practices, moving from subsistence to cash crop production. The impact was deep, affecting farmers, local economies, and traditional agricultural systems.
Causes of Commercialisation
- Increased Demand: The growing population in Britain created a demand for agricultural products. India was seen as a source for food grains and raw materials.
- Introduction of Cash Crops: The British encouraged the cultivation of cash crops such as cotton, jute, and indigo. Traditional crops were neglected as farmers focused on these lucrative alternatives.
- Land Revenue System: The British implemented a fixed land revenue system. Farmers had to produce more cash crops to meet tax obligations.
- Zamindari System: Zamindars collected high taxes, compelling farmers to grow cash crops to pay their dues.
- Market System Expansion: The British built railways and roads, connecting rural areas to markets. This facilitated the sale of cash crops.
- Swadeshi Movement: The boycott of British goods increased demand for local products, encouraging a market for specific crops.
- Poor Agricultural Policies: Lack of diversification and modern techniques led farmers to focus on cash crops in response to market demands.
Features of Commercialisation
- Export-Oriented Farming: Farmers grew crops primarily for export. Key exports included indigo, jute, sugarcane, and tea.
- Introduction of New Crops: Crops like tea, rubber, and coffee were introduced. This resulted in the decline of traditional varieties.
- Modern Farming Techniques: The British introduced advanced farming methods. However, small farmers often could not afford these techniques.
- Shifting Land Use: More land was allocated for cash crops, disrupting the balance of food and cash crop production.
Impact on Traditional Agriculture
- Decline of Local Crops: Traditional crops became less profitable, leading farmers to abandon them for cash crops.
- Loss of Agricultural Knowledge: The focus on commercial crops diminished the importance of indigenous farming practices.
- Reduced Food Production: The emphasis on cash crops led to decreased food grain production, increasing dependence on imports.
Rise in Landlessness
- Increased Indebtedness: Many farmers lost their land due to heavy taxation and debts incurred from failed crops.
- Labour Exploitation: Landless farmers often became labourers for wealthy landlords and British planters.
Challenges for Small Farmers
- Failure to Compete: Small farmers struggled to adopt modern farming techniques. Many faced financial difficulties.
- Indebtedness: The shift to cash crops often resulted in debt, leading to loss of land and livelihoods.
Export Growth
- Shift to Export Economy: India transitioned from a food importer to exporter of cash crops, such as jute and tea.
- Food Dependency: This shift increased reliance on food imports, impacting local food security.
Impact on Food Security
- Loss of Self-Sufficiency: India, once self-sufficient in food, became reliant on imported grains.
- Increased Imports: The focus on cash crops led to a decline in domestic food production, necessitating imports.
Decline of Traditional Crop Varieties
- Neglect of Indigenous Crops: Traditional varieties of rice and pulses declined as farmers shifted to cash crops.
- Erosion of Biodiversity: The focus on a few cash crops reduced the diversity of agricultural produce in India.
Disruption of Traditional Farming Systems
- Imbalance in Production: The shift to cash crops disrupted the traditional farming balance, leading to food shortages.
- Regional Disparities: Regions suited for cash crops benefited, while others focused on food grains suffered economically.
Economic Consequences
- Rise of Large Estates: The consolidation of land for commercial farming increased the number of large estates.
- Unequal Distribution of Wealth: Benefits of commercialisation primarily accrued to large landowners and British investors, widening economic disparities.
