An Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Development in India

Abstract

The new agenda in Indian agriculture should have a goal that explicitly focuses on improving agricultural systems and addresses rural development in an integrated manner. While Indian agriculture has crossed the threshold of traditional farming to modern agri-business, the objective of ensuring equity and sustainability becomes all the more important. Agriculture must change to meet the rising demand, to contribute more effectively to the reduction of poverty and malnutrition, and to become ecologically more sustainable. The challenge is daunting but feasible. This paper analyses the issues related to sustainable agriculture development. There is hope for positive changes as more and more farmers are becoming open-minded and government is coming up with new initiatives. The study recommends that problems – largely institutional, structural, and administrative – need to be overcome for development in general and sustainable agricultural development in particular.

Keywords: Indian Agriculture, Policy, Security, Sustainability

JEL Classification: O13, Q10, Q15, Q18, Q19, Q21