Agriculture, Food Security and Rural Development

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After a decade of neglect of agricultural research, the importance of agriculture in fulfilling the basic objectives of development is increasingly being recognized. This volume provides a comprehensive review of India's experience in agricultural development and the role played by the state and the public sector. It draws lessons from the agricultural policies undertaken since Independence, both in terms of their relevance for the country's future course of action and their wider significance for the developing world. The essays in the volume focus on key policy issues in agriculture, food security, and rural development, including land reforms, institutional constraints in water management, agricultural diversification, disaster management, and public-private participation in agricultural investment. Arguing that policies need to be rooted in the history, geography, and polity of the country, the essays carefully diagnose the challenges in the current scenario, and offer reasoned suggestions to achieve the twin objectives of agricultural development and poverty reduction.In recent times, the importance of agriculture in fulfilling the basic objectives of development has been increasingly reinforced. Why does the Indian economy continue to be vulnerable to weather-induced agricultural fluctuations? Why does India have widespread poverty and malnutrition despite being self-sufficient in food production? What are the responsibilities of the state, the public sector, and civil society in redressing the agrarian crises? This volume provides answers to such questions through a comprehensive review of India s experience in agricultural development. The focus is on key policy issues related to land reforms, sustainable water use, crop diversification, disaster management, and public private participation in agricultural investment. The volume draws lessons from agricultural policies since Independence, both in terms of their relevance for the country s future course of action and their wider significance for the developing world. Arguing that policies need to be rooted in the history, geography, and polity of the country, the essays carefully diagnose the challenges in the current scenario and offer reasoned suggestions to achieve the twin objectives of agricultural development and poverty reduction. Readership This volume will interest students andresearchers of development economics, agricultural economics, and Indian economy. It will also help policymakers identify the key issues and initiate the right policies.