Public Administration in Ancient India c21.4

c21.4

The Agricultural Department of the government served as a sort of information bureau for the cultivators. It was presided over by a Superintendent, whose duty it was to study the conditions of cultivation in the different parts of the country and to introduce improved methods, wherever possible. He collected improved varieties of seeds and distributed them among the agriculturists.¹ He was also expected to possess a knowledge of the science of meteorology so as to be able to make forecasts of weather conditions and of agricultural outlook.² It was under the supervision of this department of the government that uncultivated tracts were brought into cultivation. The Agricultural Department supervised cultivation on State lands and assessed the irrigation rate. It was also responsible for making suitable provision for pasturage.