What was the major reason for the poor performance of the agriculture sector during the 1960s?

The correct answer is Frequent droughts and famines.

Key Points

• The 1960s in India were marked by frequent droughts and famines, leading to severe agricultural distress and food shortages.
• Two consecutive drought years in 1965-66 and 1966-67 severely impacted crop yields and exacerbated food insecurity.
• India was highly dependent on the monsoon, and the lack of irrigation infrastructure made agriculture vulnerable to drought conditions.
• The situation led to the infamous Bihar famine of 1966-67, which highlighted the need for agricultural reforms and self-sufficiency in food production.
• These events were a major trigger for the introduction of the Green Revolution in the late 1960s to ensure food security.

Additional Information

• Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water and adverse effects on agriculture and ecosystems.
• Famine: An extreme scarcity of food affecting a large population, often caused by natural disasters, poor agricultural practices, or economic instability.
• Green Revolution: A series of initiatives introduced in India during the late 1960s and early 1970s, involving the adoption of high-yield variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques to boost agricultural productivity.
• Monsoon Dependency: Over 70% of Indian agriculture during the 1960s was dependent on monsoon rains, making it highly vulnerable to climatic variations.
• PL-480 Program: During the 1960s, India relied on food imports under the US Public Law 480 scheme, but the frequent droughts exposed the need for self-reliance in food production.