Abstract

Ever since I undertook to deliver this lecture I have marvelled at my temerity and, indeed, it is impossible to do justice to my subject. Not only is one dealing with the varied agriculture of a sub-continent peopled by 400 million people of several races, but also with several distinct systems of agriculture based on widely differing soil and climatic conditions. Progress has been marked and general, but it has taken many forms. My choice of this period fo review was largely governed by the fact that, speaking broadly, it coincides with the decade following the report of the Linlithgow Commission. The decade under review was a notable one for other reasons, for Indiar agriculture, like that of many other countries, had to adapt itself to the condi- tions arising from the world economic depression. Equally important was the effect on agriculture of industrial progress within India, leading to a demand for increased quantities and better qualities of the natural products which form the raw materials of industry. Above all, the increase in population afforded larger outlets for agricultural products, the demand being intensified by a distinct increase in the general standard of living. Indeed, India almost ceased to be an exporter of wheat and other cereals, despite a considerable expansion of pro- duction. To-day, however, I propose to confine myself in the main to a brief account of the steps which were taken to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and the results which have been schieved. My task has been lightened by the reports made to the Government of India in 1937 by Sir John Russell, und by Dr. Norman Wright.

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