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

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.