Describe the achievements in the agricultural sector under Plans.

Answer The first FYP was a modest plan. Top priority was given to agriculture. The idea was that agricultural development would lead to higher rate of economic growth. In second plan top priority was given to industry. There was a food shortage. After third plan Irrigation, HYV seeds and fertiliser use along with land reforms increased production and productivity named green revolution. Agricultural production and productivity has increased in the plan period. Centre has set an ambitious target of producing a record 270.1 million tonnes (mt) of food grains in the crop year beginning June2016. The government’s target for 2016-17 is 7% higher than the 252.23 mt of production estimated for 2015-16.                         India’s pulses production is targeted at 20.75 mt in 2016-17, 21.6% higher than the estimated 17.06 mt produced in 2015-16.  Target for oilseed production, for which India is heavily dependent on imports, is set at 35mt, 35% higher than the 25.9 mt estimated for 2015-16. Targets for cotton output is set at 36 million bales (of 170kg each) for 2016-17, compared to 30.5 million bales estimated for 2015-16.