Agriculture and Public Policy in India – Recent Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in India’s economy, providing employment to a significant portion of the population and contributing to the country’s GDP. Public policy in India has historically focused on addressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, such as land fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, and low productivity. Over the years, agricultural policies have aimed at improving food security, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and boosting rural development. However, India’s agricultural sector continues to grapple with issues like climate change, water scarcity, and the economic distress of farmers. This paper explores the evolution of agricultural policy in India, analyzing key reforms, their impact on rural livelihoods, and the ongoing policy debates surrounding subsidies, irrigation, and market access. It further examines the role of government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), and minimum support price (MSP) systems in enhancing productivity and reducing farmers' vulnerability to market fluctuations. The paper also highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices, the role of technology in improving agricultural outputs, and the importance of aligning public policy with environmental concerns to ensure long-term food security and economic stability.