Agricultural Reforms MCQs Quiz | Class 10
This quiz on “Agricultural Reforms” for Class X Geography, part of the “Agriculture” unit, tests your knowledge on critical topics like the Green Revolution and Minimum Support Price (MSP). Attempt all 10 multiple-choice questions, submit your answers, and then download a detailed PDF of your responses and the correct answers for revision.
Understanding Agricultural Reforms in India
Agricultural reforms have been pivotal in shaping India’s economic and social landscape, especially after independence. These reforms were necessary to address issues of food scarcity, poverty, and equitable distribution of resources in a predominantly agrarian economy.
The Green Revolution
The Green Revolution, largely introduced in India during the mid-1960s, was a period of significant agricultural modernization. Its primary objective was to drastically increase food grain production to achieve self-sufficiency and alleviate chronic food shortages.
- Key Components: The revolution was characterized by the adoption of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, particularly for wheat and rice. This was coupled with intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and the expansion of assured irrigation facilities through dams, canals, and tube wells. Mechanization of farming practices also played a role.
- Impact: India transformed from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus one, becoming self-sufficient in food grains. This boosted rural incomes in the regions where it was successful and enhanced national food security.
- Limitations: Despite its successes, the Green Revolution led to increased regional disparities, with states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh benefiting disproportionately. It also raised concerns about environmental degradation due to overuse of water, soil salinity, and chemical pollution, as well as widening the gap between large and small farmers.
Minimum Support Price (MSP)
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a crucial government policy designed to protect farmers from sharp falls in market prices and ensure a remunerative price for their produce. It acts as a safety net, guaranteeing a minimum income for farmers for certain crops.
- Concept and Objective: MSP is the price at which the government purchases crops from farmers, providing a floor price below which prices are not allowed to fall. Its main objective is to incentivize farmers to produce key crops and stabilize their incomes, especially during periods of surplus production or market gluts.
- Process: The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSPs for various crops, taking into account factors like cost of production, market prices, and demand-supply conditions. The government then announces these prices before the sowing season.
- Crops Covered: MSP is announced for a wide range of crops, including major food grains like paddy (rice) and wheat, pulses (like toor, urad, moong, chana), oilseeds (groundnut, soybean, mustard), and commercial crops like cotton and jute.
- Significance and Challenges: MSP is vital for rural livelihoods and ensures national food security by encouraging production. However, challenges include effective procurement mechanisms in all regions and for all crops, as well as debates over the cost-effectiveness and market distortion effects of MSP.
Other Significant Agricultural Reforms
- Land Reforms: Early post-independence reforms aimed at abolishing intermediaries (Zamindars), consolidating fragmented landholdings, and imposing ceilings on land ownership to ensure equitable distribution. While abolition of Zamindari was largely successful, land ceiling and consolidation faced implementation challenges.
- Institutional Reforms: These include providing access to credit through cooperative societies, rural banks, and schemes like the Kisan Credit Card (KCC). Crop insurance schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), were introduced to protect farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities.
- Technological Reforms: Beyond the Green Revolution, India witnessed other “revolutions” like the White Revolution (Operation Flood for milk production), Blue Revolution (for fish and aquaculture), and significant advancements in horticulture.
Key Reforms Overview
| Reform Type | Key Initiatives | Period/Focus | Impact/Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Revolution | HYV seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, mechanization | Mid-1960s | Food grain self-sufficiency, increased productivity |
| MSP | Government-announced minimum prices for crops | Since 1960s, ongoing | Farmer income protection, market stability |
| Land Reforms | Abolition of Zamindari, land ceiling, consolidation | Post-independence | Equity in land distribution, reduce exploitation |
| Institutional | Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PMFBY, cooperatives | Various, ongoing | Access to credit, risk management, farmer welfare |
Quick Revision Points
- The Green Revolution used High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, primarily for wheat and rice, transforming India into a food-surplus nation.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set floor price to protect farmers from market fluctuations and ensure fair income.
- The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommends MSPs.
- Land reforms aimed at equitable land distribution, while institutional reforms focused on credit and insurance.
- Other significant agricultural advancements include the White Revolution (milk) and Blue Revolution (fish).
Extra Practice Questions
- Discuss the socio-economic impacts of the Green Revolution on different sections of Indian farmers.
- Explain how the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism helps stabilize agricultural markets and support farmer livelihoods.
- What were the main reasons for the introduction of comprehensive agricultural reforms in India after its independence?
- Besides the Green Revolution, name and briefly describe two other significant agricultural revolutions or initiatives in India.
- Analyze the environmental consequences associated with the intensive farming practices promoted during the Green Revolution and suggest mitigation strategies.
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