NO : WP-2018-026
AUTHOR : S. Mahendra Dev
TITLE :TRANSFORMATION OF INDIAN AGRICULTURE? Growth,Inclusiveness and Sustainability
ABSTRACT :
There are three goals of agricultural development in India. These are: (a) achieving high growth by
raising productivity; (b) inclusiveness by focusing on lagging regions, small farmers and women; and
(c) sustainability of agriculture. In this paper, we will address two questions:
(a) How far India progressed in the three goals of agriculture in recent decades?
(b) What are the policies and reforms needed to transform Indian agriculture in the next decade?
This paper provides 10 conclusions on the policies needed to achieve three goals of agricultural
development in India. These are : (1) There is a need for change in the narrative in the new context; (2)
Global trends and macro policies are equally important for Indian agriculture; (3) We have to walk on
two legs both agriculture and non-agriculture. There is a need to shift from cereal based agriculture to
non-cereal based crops and allied activities; (4) Doubling farm income also has to focus non-farm
sector, look at different size classes and environmental considerations; (5) Remunerative prices and
market reforms can enhances farmers’ incomes; (6) The country has to go beyond harvest and give
freedom for farmers on markets and exports; (7) Do not foreget basics like water and technology; (8)
Inclusiveness is needed for board based growth and equity. Focus on small and maginal farmers,
women, youth, rainfed areas, Eastern and other lagging regions, social groups like SC and ST farmers;
(9) Measures have to be taken to take care of impacs of climate change and improving resilience in
agriculture and sustainability; (10) Strengthening institutions and governance is crucial for achieving
growth, equality and sustainability of agriculture.
Keywords: Agricultural growth, inclusiveness, sustainability, prices, water, technology, small
farmers, nutrition and climate change
JEL Code : Q10, Q11, Q18, Q20
Weblink :http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2018-026.pdf
