Changing Agricultural Trends in Punjab during Provincial Autonomy 1937-47

Abstract

 This study details the various  measures taken up by the Unionist Party which  ruled  Punjab during the Provincial Autonomy period (1937-47) to enhance the financial health of peasantry  by   making  ten amendments in  Alienation   of Land Act(1901), many among them would  favor  agriculturalists and took   some effective steps to  strengthen the rural co-operative system to encourage them to go in for consolidation of their lands. The government embarked upon ambitious plans of canal construction and colonization. It also gave liberal taqavi loans at lower interest rates to farmers for sinking pucca wells. In addition, agricultural colleges were opened which brought consciousness for using improved seeds, modern iron implements and the need for  going  in for the rotation of crops by adding a crash crop along with the  usual rabi and kharif crops. Although the WW-II dampened their efforts, yet the Unionists tried it sincerely.