National agricultural policy: An overview

Abstract

Agriculture is described as the backbone of the Indian economy. It contributes a significant share in the generation of the country’s national income. More than half of the nation’s workforce employed in the agriculture sector. Agriculture is essential not only to achieve self-reliance but also considered as a way of life. Agriculture shaped thought, outlook, culture and the economic life of the people of India. Therefore it may be said that agriculture lies at the core of socio – economic development and progress of Indian society. The Agricultural Policy is mainly formulated to increase the productivity and also raise the agricultural income and improve the standard of living of the farmers. But there was no clear cut agricultural policy till 1919. This paper throws light on the evolution of agricultural policy, positive and negative impact of policy on agriculture and challenges before agricultural policy in the present globalized period. The paper is conceptual in nature and based on secondary data.