How did the commercialization of agriculture affect India's economy? (6 points) It led to artisans becoming unemployed. It increased famines. Healthcare and education were underdeveloped. It widened income inequality.

The commercialization of agriculture in India had several significant effects on the economy, which can be summarized in the following six points: 1. **Unemployment of Artisans**: As agriculture became more commercialized, there was a shift in focus from traditional crafts and artisanal production to cash crop farming. This led to a decline in demand for handmade goods, resulting in many artisans losing their livelihoods. 2. **Increased Famines**: The emphasis on cash crops for export often meant that food crops were neglected. This shift made local populations more vulnerable to food shortages and famines, as the focus was on producing crops that were profitable rather than those needed for local consumption. 3. **Underdevelopment of Healthcare and Education**: The commercialization of agriculture often prioritized profits over social welfare. As a result, investments in healthcare and education were neglected, leading to poor health outcomes and low literacy rates among the rural population. 4. **Widening Income Inequality**: The benefits of commercial agriculture were not evenly distributed. Wealthier landowners and those with access to resources profited significantly, while small farmers and laborers often remained in poverty, leading to increased income inequality. 5. **Debt and Financial Instability**: Many small farmers took loans to invest in commercial crops, which could lead to financial instability. If crops failed or prices fell, farmers could become trapped in a cycle of debt, leading to economic distress and, in some cases, suicides. 6. **Environmental Degradation**: The push for higher yields in commercial agriculture often resulted in unsustainable farming practices, leading to soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity. This long-term environmental impact further threatened the livelihoods of farmers and the overall economy. These points illustrate the complex and often detrimental effects of the commercialization of agriculture on India's economy, highlighting the need for balanced and sustainable agricultural practices.