Equally innovative was Muhammad Tughlaq’s scheme to expand cultivation. But it also failed miserably.  

• It coincided with a prolonged and severe famine in the Doab. The peasants who rebelled were harshly dealt with.  
• The famine was linked to the oppressive and arbitrary collection of land revenue. The Sultan established a separate department (Diwan-i-Amir Kohi) to take care of agriculture.  
• Loans were advanced to farmers for purchase of cattle, seeds and digging of wells but to no avail.  
• Officers appointed to monitor the crops were not efficient; the nobility and important officials were of diverse background.  

• Besides, the Sultan’s temperament had also earned him a lot of enemies. 

Source: Tamil Nadu state board.