This book presents a multi-dimensional investigation into the Indian agricultural sector, bridging the gap between historical path dependency and the digital future of farming. While India has transitioned into a global food exporter, the structural health of its agrarian economy remains a critical bottleneck for reaching a five-trillion-dollar economy. This research addresses the "structural transition lag" by analyzing why 45% of the population remains tethered to a sector contributing only 16% to the GVA. Moving beyond standard economic surveys, the book explores the "historical ghosts" within Indian policy from colonial extractive regimes to the modern rigidities of the APMC system. It offers a comprehensive analysis of agrarian distress, pricing mechanisms, and the urgent need for market de-regulation. Central to the work is a focus on agro-climatic diversity and the strategic shift toward high-value farming systems. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat Mission 2047 and the Think East Policy, the text highlights the transformative potential of Digital Agriculture and Agri-Fintech. By leveraging IoT and AI, the authors propose a roadmap for empowering smallholders, including specialized studies on mushroom growers and organic consumption trends. This book serves as an essential resource for policy-makers and academics seeking to solve the microeconomic vulnerabilities of the Indian farmer. Ultimately, this work is a tribute to the Annadata, providing the theoretical and practical framework necessary for a resilient, technology-driven agricultural revolution.
Dr. B. C. Anu is a Subject Matter Specialist- Plant Protection (Entomology) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Turki, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, under Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. She completed her M.Sc. in Entomology as a Gold Medalist and Ph.D. from Bihar Agricultural University, Bihar, and received the University Gold Medal during her post-graduation in the batch of 2017-19. She qualified ASRB NET in 2021. Currently, she is the Co-PI of several projects at KVK, Turki, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. She has published numerous research papers and book chapters with International and National publishers. Dr. Anu is the recipient of several prestigious awards for her Research works across India.
Prof. B. C. Anant is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Management, School of Commerce and Management, ARKA JAIN University, Jharkhand. He also is the Founder & President of BCA Foundation, India (Bharat). He is involved in teaching specialization courses like Consumer Behaviour, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, and Artificial Intelligence (Conceptual). Prof. Jha is pursuing Ph.D. from Banasthali Vidyapith, Dept. of Design focusing Blockchain Technology and its significance in evaluating Consumer Perception in Indian Fashion Retail. He is a Double Gold- Medalist, Scholarship Holder during his academics and holds membership of prestigious institutions, such as the Textile Association India (New Delhi), formerly with AIMA. He has been associated with Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon, Sandip University, Madhubani, and also currently serves as the Chief Advisor to Vidya Vihar Trust. He has published several research articles in reputed Journals. Some of the notable publications include Consumer Behaviour, Strategy Development, Supply Chain Optimization, etc. He has authored a Book in 2018, edited Academic Books and has represented India in the UNFCCC- CoP24’s, 2018 film. Prof. Jha is a recipient of several prestigious awards in Academic and research field.
1. Agriculture in India – Historical Foundations and Structural Context....1
2. The Policy Landscape of Indian Agriculture.........................................23
3. Production Systems, Cropping Patterns, and Resource Use..................45
4. Markets, Value Chains, and Agricultural Trade.....................................65
5. Technology, Innovation, and Institutional Support................................79
6. Farmers, Institutions, and Rural Livelihoods.........................................95
7. Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resilience...................................113
8. Agri Fintech and Digital Lending for Farmers: Transforming Rural Credit..........................................................................................129
9. Consumer Perception of Organic Foods in India: A Case Study.........143
10. Indian Agriculture Towards 2047.........................................................157
Abbreviations for Annexure..................................................................169
