Question

Who was the Chairman of National Commission on Agriculture when it was constituted in 1971?

• A. Shri Nathuram Mirdha
• B. Shri Jagjivan Ram
• C. Dr M. S. Swaminathan
• D. Shri C. Subramaniam

Hint:

To avoid confusion between these major commissions:
- National Commission on Agriculture (1970) $\rightarrow$ Chaired by Nathuram Mirdha.
- National Commission on Farmers (2004) $\rightarrow$ Chaired by M.S. Swaminathan.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the history of agricultural policy and development planning in India, specifically the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The first National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) was established by the Government of India in August 1970 to evaluate progress in the agricultural sector and recommend policies for future growth.
The commission was tasked with addressing crop husbandry, forestry, fisheries, and rural infrastructure.
- Shri Nathuram Mirdha, a prominent parliamentarian and agricultural leader from Rajasthan, was appointed as the Chairman of this historic commission.
- The commission produced a comprehensive 15-volume report in 1976 that helped shape agricultural policy for decades.
Evaluating the other options:
- Shri Jagjivan Ram and Shri C. Subramaniam served as Union Ministers for Agriculture during key periods of the Green Revolution, but did not chair this specific commission.
- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan chaired the National Commission on Farmers (NCF), which was established much later in 200

Step 4: Final Answer:
The Chairman of the National Commission on Agriculture was Shri Nathuram Mirdha.