Agricultural Diversification: A Strategic Factor for Growth
Mousumi Malo
Assistant Director of Agriculture, Model Farm, Jayrambati, West Bengal (722 161), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Agricultural, Diversification, Economy, Policies
Abstract
Agricultural policies in the past have witnessed a series of iterative changes following the economic reforms during 1990’s that marked a significant departure from the past. The problems associated with buffer stock management and degradation of natural resources in some regions has triggered a debate to redefine agricultural policies. As a remedial measure, it has been suggested that India should diversify its agriculture and get a foothold in the world market. The diversified and accelerated agricultural growth would enhance the food security by improving the purchasing power of the poor in the perplexing situation of shrinkage in agricultural holdings, declining new investments in agriculture and increasing degradation of natural resources. Hence, diversification is an integral part of the process of structural transformation of an economy which can be facilitated by technological breakthrough, by changes in consumer demand, government policy, trade arrangements, and by development of irrigation, roads, and other infrastructures.
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Reference
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