Unit-4: Agricultural Policies in India ~ BA I Year - Minor - 1: Introduction to Indian Agricultural

 

Agricultural Policies in India

1. Meaning of Agricultural Policy

Agricultural policy refers to the government’s plans, laws, and programs aimed at improving farm production, farmers’ income, and rural development.

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2. Objectives of Agricultural Policy

• Increase food production

• Ensure food security

• Improve income of farmers

• Promote sustainable agriculture

• Reduce rural poverty

• Stabilize prices of agricultural products

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3. Major Phases of Agricultural Policy in India

(a) Pre-Green Revolution Period (Before 1965)

• Focus on land reforms

• Expansion of irrigation

• Community Development Programme

• Limited use of technology

(b) Green Revolution Period (1965–1980)

• Introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds

• Increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation

• Led to self-sufficiency in food grains

• Mainly benefited Punjab, Haryana, Western UP

(c) Post-Green Revolution Period (After 1980)

• Focus on diversification

• Emphasis on sustainability

• Support to small and marginal farmers

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4. Important Agricultural Policies and Programmes

1. Land Reforms

• Abolition of zamindari system

• Ceiling on land holdings

• Protection of tenant farmers

2. Minimum Support Price (MSP)

• Government announces a minimum price for crops

• Protects farmers from price fluctuations

• Ensures income security

3. Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Supplies food grains at subsidized rates

• Helps poor and vulnerable sections

4. Agricultural Subsidies

• Subsidies on fertilizers, electricity, irrigation

• Reduce cost of cultivation

5. Crop Insurance Scheme

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

• Protection against crop loss due to natural calamities

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5. Recent Agricultural Initiatives

• PM-KISAN Yojana: Income support to farmers

• Soil Health Card Scheme

• e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

• Promotion of organic and natural farming

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6. Role of Government Institutions

• ICAR – Agricultural research

• NABARD – Agricultural credit

• FCI – Food grain storage and distribution

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7. Problems of Indian Agriculture

• Dependence on monsoon

• Small and fragmented land holdings

• Low productivity

• Farmer indebtedness

• Lack of modern technology

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8. Conclusion

Agricultural policies in India aim to increase production, ensure food security, and improve farmers’ welfare. Though many achievements have been made, continuous reforms are needed for sustainable agricultural growth.