The Centre of Ambedkar Studies, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) organized a seminar by Dr. P. Eashvaraiah, former Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science talk titled ‘Ambedkar’s Agrarian Policy: Solution to Fragmentation of landholdings‘, on March 17, 2017 at the University of Hyderabad.

Dr. Eshavaraiah began the talk by saluting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for taking such a hard and time consuming initiative of addressing the fragmention of land issue in India and studying the extricate details of land consolidation. He focused on the observations made by Ambedkar regarding land fragmentation and the recommendations put forth to solve the crisis. “Fragmented lands deprive farmers of the proper use of technology. Productivity is reduced and food insecurity and unemployment rises. This points at the lack of policies implemented in our country to solve the agrarian crisis,” remarked the Professor.

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From implementing fixed size of land holdings to ensuring sustainability of land stretches, Dr. Eashvaraiah emphasized the role of state intervention as the most effective solution to solve the crisis. “Matters should be reviewed and discussed by expert committees and not left to parliamentary councils. Only then can we seek a holistic approach to the issue”.

Prof. K.Y. Ratnam moderated the seminar, followed by an interactive session between the students and the speaker after the talk.