<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>The period from 1971 to 1990 marked a critical juncture in the agrarian and handicraft sectors of Telangana, with a confluence of factors contributing to a deepening crisis that had far-reaching consequences for both the Society and the Economy of the region.
Agrarian Crisis
During this period, the agrarian sector in Telangana faced a multitude of challenges, including:
Land Degradation and Water Scarcity: Prolonged drought conditions, coupled with unsustainable agricultural practices, led to land degradation and acute water scarcity. This significantly impacted crop yields and agricultural productivity, pushing many farmers into debt and destitution.
Rising Input Costs: The cost of agricultural inputs like Fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds increased substantially during this period, further burdening farmers and making agriculture less profitable.
Lack of Institutional Support: Farmers in Telangana received limited support from government institutions in the form of credit, insurance, and market linkages. This lack of support made them vulnerable to exploitation by moneylenders and traders.
Indebtedness and Farmer Suicides: The combination of these factors led to a spiral of indebtedness among farmers, with many resorting to desperate measures like selling their land or taking their own lives. The incidence of farmer suicides increased alarmingly during this period, highlighting the severity of the agrarian crisis.
Decline of Handicrafts
The handicraft sector, which had been a significant source of livelihood for many artisans in Telangana, also faced a steep decline during this period. Several factors contributed to this decline:
Competition from Machine-Made Goods: The influx of cheap and mass-produced machine-made goods from other parts of the country and abroad dealt a severe blow to the traditional handicraft Industry. The artisans found it difficult to compete with the lower prices and standardized quality of machine-made products.
Changing Consumer Preferences: The changing tastes and preferences of consumers also contributed to the decline of handicrafts. The younger generation was increasingly drawn towards modern and trendy products, neglecting the traditional crafts and skills.
Lack of Marketing and Support: The artisans lacked adequate marketing channels and government support to promote and sell their products. This made it difficult for them to reach wider markets and sustain their livelihoods.
Erosion of Traditional Skills: The lack of opportunities and incentives for younger generations to learn traditional crafts led to the erosion of these skills. Many artisans were forced to abandon their craft and seek alternative livelihoods.
Impact on Telangana Society and Economy
The agrarian crisis and decline of handicrafts had a profound impact on the society and economy of Telangana:
Rural Distress and Migration: The agrarian crisis led to widespread rural distress, with many farmers losing their livelihoods and being forced to migrate to urban areas in search of work. This resulted in a significant demographic shift and put additional pressure on urban Resources.
Economic Disparity and Social Unrest: The decline of agriculture and handicrafts widened the economic disparities between rural and urban areas, and between different socio-economic groups. This led to social unrest and increased the vulnerability of marginalized communities.
Loss of Cultural Heritage: The decline of handicrafts led to the erosion of traditional skills and knowledge, threatening the rich cultural heritage of Telangana. The loss of these unique crafts and traditions had a negative impact on the region's cultural identity.
Economic Slowdown: The agrarian crisis and decline of handicrafts had a ripple effect on the overall economy of Telangana. The reduced agricultural output and the loss of livelihoods in the handicraft sector contributed to an economic slowdown and increased poverty in the region.
The period from 1971 to 1990 was a challenging time for Telangana, marked by a deepening agrarian crisis and the decline of traditional handicrafts. These twin crises had a far-reaching impact on the society and economy of the region, leading to rural distress, economic disparity, social unrest, and the loss of cultural heritage. The lessons from this period underscore the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, support for traditional crafts, and inclusive development policies to ensure the well-being of rural communities and the preservation of cultural heritage.