What was the primary aim of the Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966) in India?

The Correct answer is To achieve self-sufficiency in food grains.

Key Points

• The Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966) in India aimed primarily at achieving self-sufficiency in food grains.
• During this period, the focus was heavily placed on improving agricultural production to reduce dependence on imports and ensure food security for the growing population.
• The plan emphasized the modernization of agriculture through the introduction of advanced irrigation systems, fertilizers, and high-yield varieties of seeds.
• A significant portion of resources was allocated to the development of irrigation projects such as dams and canals to support agricultural growth.
• This plan also laid the foundation for the Green Revolution, which transformed Indian agriculture and significantly boosted food grain production.
• The plan was implemented during a time of economic challenges, including a foreign exchange crisis and recurrent droughts, which further highlighted the importance of food self-sufficiency.
• The success of the Third Five-Year Plan in achieving self-sufficiency in food grains played a crucial role in reducing India's dependence on food imports.

 Additional Information

• To promote small-scale industries
  • Small-scale industries were given importance in the Second Five-Year Plan, which focused on industrialization and creating employment opportunities.
  • These industries are vital for economic growth and contribute significantly to exports, job creation, and regional development.
  • However, the Third Five-Year Plan prioritized agricultural self-sufficiency over industrial development.
• To focus on poverty alleviation
  • Poverty alleviation became a prominent goal in later Five-Year Plans, particularly during the Sixth and Seventh Plans.
  • The focus on poverty reduction involved implementing programs such as the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) and other welfare schemes.
  • Although poverty alleviation was important, the Third Plan prioritized food security to address the immediate needs of the population.
• To enhance agricultural production
  • While enhancing agricultural production was a goal, the primary focus of the Third Plan was on self-sufficiency in food grains.
  • This included initiatives such as improving irrigation, fertilizer use, and introducing better seed varieties.
  • Enhanced production was a means to achieve the broader objective of self-sufficiency rather than being an independent goal.