Question

Mention the trends in agricultural productivity in recent years.

Answer 1

1. Total foodgrain production has increased more than six times, from 50.8 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 330.5 million tonnes in 2022-23, making India nearly self-sufficient.
2. Major cereals like rice and wheat recorded high growth rates; production of pulses increased more than three times but remains low.
3. Commercial crops such as sugarcane, oilseeds, and cotton also saw significant production increases.
4. The growth in agricultural production is mainly due to increased productivity per hectare rather than expansion of cultivation area, especially after 1965-66.
5. Yield per hectare for rice, wheat, and other crops has substantially risen, indicating improved productivity.
6. India has progressed from food scarcity to becoming a net exporter of agricultural produce.