The marked increase in agricultural production in India in the past decades can be attributed to several factors. Among the given options, option 1 suggests that an increase in the area under cultivation could be the reason for this increase. This implies that more land is being used for cultivation, which would result in higher agricultural production.

Option 2 suggests that the conversion of barren land into agricultural land could be the reason for the increase in production. This means that previously unused or infertile land is being transformed into productive agricultural land.

Option 3, which is the correct answer, proposes that the use of improved agricultural methods and technologies contributes to the increase in agricultural production. This means that farmers are adopting more efficient and effective techniques, such as mechanization, irrigation, and the use of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. These advancements lead to higher crop yields and overall productivity.

Option 4 suggests that the priority given by successive governments to the agricultural sector over the industry sector is responsible for the increase in production. This means that governmental policies and investments have facilitated the growth and development of the agricultural sector, leading to higher production.

Overall, while options 1, 2, and 4 may have some influence on agricultural production, option 3 is the