Changing Dynamics in India's Agricultural Policy

Abstract

This study aims at identifying and analyzing a wide range of aspects impacting the Indian agricultural sector, in the light of the events that have taken place in the two-year period from July 2013 to September 2015, to provide policy-makers with an analytical framework. From recent developments, there appears to be a reversal from the "dole and debt-waiver approach" placing Indian agriculture on a stronger footing for the future. Six decades of policy need to be reviewed, in order to assess and suggest policies based on merits under the current situation. There could be recent developments and innovations to be considered as possible solutions suitable to the current problems. There is also a need to look at agriculture holistically and not from the narrow view-point of individual stake-holders. Reactive policy-making under pressure from interest groups could lead to sub-optimal policies and actions.