Institutional Alternatives and Governance of Agriculture

The Indian economy clearly seems to have followed a higher growth trajectory with over 9 per cent growth in GDP for the fiscal year 2006-07. Despite some improvements, the performance of agriculture sector, however, continues to be the cause of concern. The dream of inclusive growth cannot be realised without revival of sagging agriculture sector. A number of challenges are being encountered in the sector. Some of these challenges are: increasing number of small and marginal farmers; increased competition due to globalisation process; reduced capital formation; poor infrastructure; and, decline of State support to agriculture. Thus, in present context governance and strengthening of institutional mechanisms to revive agriculture growth is of paramount need.The present book consisting of twelve essays, divided in four parts, critically examines issues and challenges of the agriculture sector and identifies ways to meet these challenges. The objective is primarily to initiate debate over governance of agriculture and identification of institutional mechanism to make small holders farm economy viable and globally competitive. The essays though varied in content and nature are unified in their emphasis on elements of sustainability, growth and equity, and examine role of public policies such as prices, input subsidies, research and development in current economic scenario and lays emphasis on identification of institutional mechanisms for the integration of small and marginal farmers in the larger economic development agenda.