Mahatma Gandhi's Policy and Approach to Agriculture:
- Gandhiji's approach to agriculture was village-centric and based on self-reliance. He believed that the real progress of India depends on the economic independence of villages, and agriculture is the foundation of the village economy.
- He encouraged farmers to become self-sufficient, which would meet local needs locally and reduce external dependence.
- In "Hind Swaraj", he considered agriculture as the backbone of the rural economy and emphasized the use of simple technology and promotion of village industries to improve the standard of living of farmers.
- Gandhiji emphasized organic agriculture and environmental protection. He believed that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and machinery could cause long-term damage to agriculture.
- He urged farmers to prefer the use of traditional inputs, the use of organic fertilizers and sustainable farming practices.
- Gandhiji encouraged rural industries, especially Khadi and handicrafts, to complement agriculture. His aim was to provide additional sources of income to farmers along with agriculture.
- He tried to make farmers self-reliant with tools like the spinning wheel and handloom.
- Gandhiji emphasized social and economic reforms to stop the exploitation of farmers and ensure that they get fair remuneration for their produce.
- He urged farmers to become self-sufficient in basic necessities like sugar, salt and cloth.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Agricultural Policy and Approach:
- Nehru's approach to agriculture was based on a modern and scientific approach. He believed that India needed industrialization and modernization of agriculture for economic progress.
- He emphasized on increasing the use of mechanization, chemical fertilizers, and modern technology in agriculture, which would increase food grain production.
- The foundation of the Green Revolution was laid during Nehru's time, which led to the use of high-yielding seeds, irrigation facilities, and chemical fertilizers. This enabled India to move towards self-sufficiency in food grain production.
- He encouraged the establishment of agricultural research institutes and agricultural universities, which gave a boost to scientific research in agriculture.
- Nehru encouraged cooperative farming, which enabled farmers to come together and use resources and technology.
- He started Community Development Programmes, which gave a boost to agriculture and related businesses in rural areas.
- Nehru prioritized large-scale irrigation projects, such as the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. This increased the availability of water for agriculture and improved agricultural production.
- He also focused on the development of infrastructure in rural areas, such as roads and markets, which would enable farmers to get a fair price in the market.