The correct answer is: d) All of the above
Sharecropping and tenancy systems are prevalent in parts of Bihar, affecting farmers’ access to land, investment in agriculture, and adoption of new technologies.
Sharecropping is a system in which a landowner gives a portion of the crop to a tenant farmer in exchange for their labor. This system can be exploitative, as the tenant farmer may not receive a fair share of the crop. It can also lead to a lack of investment in agriculture, as the tenant farmer may not have the incentive to improve the land or invest in new technologies.
Tenancy systems are similar to sharecropping, but the tenant farmer pays a fixed rent to the landowner. This system can also be exploitative, as the tenant farmer may not be able to afford the rent, and may be forced to leave the land. It can also lead to a lack of investment in agriculture, as the tenant farmer may not have the security of tenure to make long-term investments.
Both sharecropping and tenancy systems can have a negative impact on the adoption of new technologies. Farmers who are not sure of their tenure may be reluctant to invest in new technologies, as they may not be able to reap the benefits of their investment. Additionally, sharecropping and tenancy systems can lead to a lack of knowledge about new technologies, as the tenant farmer may not have the opportunity to learn about them from the landowner.
In conclusion, sharecropping and tenancy systems can have a negative impact on farmers’ access to land, investment in agriculture, and adoption of new technologies.