Who among the following started the Indian Agriculture Service?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Starting the Indian Agriculture Service in British India

The question asks about the person responsible for initiating the Indian Agriculture Service. Understanding the historical context of agricultural development and administration during the British Raj is key to answering this question.

Agriculture has always been the backbone of the Indian economy. During the British rule, the need to improve agricultural practices, understand crop patterns, and manage resources became increasingly important for revenue generation and administration. This led to the establishment of various departments and services related to agriculture.

Let's look at the options provided:

Lord Curzon
William Bentinck
Lord Minto
Lord Rippon

Each of these figures served as Governor-General or Viceroy in India during different periods, and each had significant impacts on various aspects of Indian administration and society.

Historically, the push for a dedicated service focused on agriculture gained momentum in the early 20th century. This period saw increased attention on scientific agriculture and famine prevention. The establishment of the Indian Agriculture Service was a significant step in formalizing agricultural administration and research.

Upon examining the history of administrative services and departments created during the British Raj, Lord Minto is credited with the initiation of the Indian Agriculture Service. This development took place during his tenure as Viceroy of India (specifically, Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 4th Earl of Minto, who served from 1905 to 1910). The service was formally established to oversee and improve agricultural practices across British India.

Therefore, the individual who started the Indian Agriculture Service is Lord Minto.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Agricultural Initiatives in British India

Historical Figure	Role/Period	Relevant Actions/Initiatives (Examples)
William Bentinck	Governor-General (1828-1835)	Social reforms (like abolishing Sati), administrative changes; earlier period than dedicated agriculture service.
Lord Rippon	Viceroy (1880-1884)	Repeal of Vernacular Press Act, Local Self-Government; focus on different areas.
Lord Curzon	Viceroy (1899-1905)	Partition of Bengal, Police Commission, Ancient Monuments Preservation Act; significant administrative reforms, but the formal service came slightly later.
Lord Minto	Viceroy (1905-1910)	Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909), Initiation of Indian Agriculture Service.

Additional Information: Agriculture Administration under the British Raj

The development of agriculture administration in British India was a gradual process. Initial efforts often focused on land revenue administration. However, events like famines highlighted the need for more direct intervention in agricultural improvement.

Departments of Agriculture were established in provinces before a unified service.
Agricultural research institutions, like the Pusa Institute (established under Curzon), played a crucial role and paved the way for a dedicated service.
The Indian Agriculture Service aimed to recruit trained personnel to implement scientific methods and administrative policies related to agriculture across the country.
This service was part of the broader effort by the British administration to professionalize various branches of governance in India.

Understanding the timelines and priorities of different Viceroys helps in identifying the period during which significant administrative services like the Indian Agriculture Service were initiated.