The Objective
The main objective of the CDP was to secure the total development of the material and
human resources of rural areas, and to develop local leadership and self-governing
institutions, so as to raise the levels of living of rural people. This objective was to be
attained by bringing about a rapid increase in food and agricultural production by
strengthening programmes of natural resource development, such as minor irrigation
and soil conservation, by improving the. effectiveness of farm inputs supply systems
and by providing agricultural extension service to farmers. The First Five Year Plan was
dominated by the CDP, which reflected India's overriding concern with nation building
and equity. Thus, the strategy underlying the CDP was holistic and equity-oriented.