During the pre-Independence era, various scattered and short-lived efforts were made towards rural development in various parts of the country by individuals or some organizations.
Notable among these were Mahatma Gandhi's work at Sevagram, Tagore's work at Shantiniketan, Spencer Hatch's efforts at Marthandam, F.L.Brayne's work at Gurgaon, Firka Development Scheme in Tamil Nadu, India Village Service, etc.
Royal Commission on Agriculture's recommendation (1928) established a firm foundation to co-ordinate research and effective agricultural administration.
Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (now Indian Council of Agricultural Research) was established in 1929.
Interchange should be freely permitted between the administrative and research and teaching branches in the years of service.
There should be a body for agricultural research at the national level for promotion, guidance, and co-ordination of agricultural research work in India
The director of agriculture should have in him the combination of an administrative capacity and high scientific qualifications.
The field recruitment to the superior provincial agricultural services in any province should not be restricted to the province itself.