Commercialization Of Agriculture

The term commercial is most vividly used in fields of marketing and commerce. Meaning of the term commercialisation refers to a process of effectively introducing brand new products or services to the markets. This is done to attract customers and thereby, expand the sales to a huge extent. This aspect is quite similar to when the concept arrives in British India with the introduction of the British mercantile class. This study is quite effective in exploring several options that are intricately intertwined with commercialization in India.

Overview of Commercialization of Agriculture in British India

Commercialisation is one of the most used words, but its introduction and concepts were not something new to the history of the Indian subcontinent. Introduction of this term seems to have started during the period of Industrial revolution on the soil of England. Therefore, the term is quite crucial in its significance with respect to the context of British India. The notion of commercialisation of agriculture was made possible as Britishers acknowledged that the regions of Northern plains in India are quite fertile in nature. This furthermore, if commercialised, may provide massive benefit to the Britishers.

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What Is Meant By Commercialization of Agriculture

In simpler words, commercialisation of agriculture meant to make successive transformations of subsistence of production agriculture to a “production of sales” for customers. Moreover, it meant that earlier in India, the farmers used to produce crops for their consumption only, but Britishers forced them to increase the production for others. Britishers incorporated ways to grow crops with artificial processes and pushed the majority of Indian farmers to follow the same in order to maximise their profit quotients.

Causes of Commercialization of Agriculture in British India

Several causes are noticed that led to the advent of commercialisation of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent. The primary reason was the subjugation due to the prevalence of colonial rule by the Britishers. It is also noticed that India can be a massive producer of raw materials if commercialisation is incorporated within. Lastly, raw materials such as tobacco, cotton, tea, and jute are in high demand in England.

Impact of Commercialization of Agriculture in British India

Various notable impacts are acknowledged catering to both positive and negative due to commercialisation of agriculture in India, those are as follows.

• It significantly lead to decline in the rate of crops produced in India
• Production of non-commercial crops was reduced and resulted in massive growth of commercial crops
• Severely affected the lifestyles of the farmers 
• Resulted in massive benefit for Britishers

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How Did British Rulers Got Benefited Due to Commercialization of Agriculture

From records, it is well noticed that Britishers were only beneficial in the introduction of commercialisation of agriculture. This helped in a massive boom in the national growth of the economy of the Britishers. The strong financial conditions led them to acquire capitalism in every aspect. In addition to this, successive development is noticed in terms of social, economic as well as technological fields.  With the accumulation of capitalism, Britishers gained immense power to rule and it also supported them to establish their rules in their respective colonies. Moreover, advancement is noticed in every aspect leading to gaining power in military fields.

Phases of Commercialization of Agriculture in British India

Different phases are noticed in the commercialisation of agriculture in the Indian subcontinent during the British raj of India. The first phase is associated with “plantation agriculture” that constitutes producing tea in northern districts of Bengal. The second phase relates to “the jute phrase” in other words “subsistence commercialisation” that resulted in further decline in the economy of India.

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Conclusion 

In concluding the study, it is effectively evidenced that the notion of commercialisation is not some newly invented word but it dates back to the age of colonisation. British mercantile classes have effectively introduced the term in order to maximise their benefits, thereby successively strengthening their economy. Furthermore, it has been already noticed that the term commercial seems to involve several processes that constitute distribution, sales, marketing, production and manufacturing and many more. This concept has not only affected the-then scenario British rulers but also quite severely affected the economy of India and also socio-cultural aspects.