Growth and equity : policies and implementation in Indian agriculture

This paper reviews the history and components of this problem and proposes a strategy to alleviate it. Reviewed first is the history of Indian agricultural policy since 1951, a policy which has focused explicitly on social justice since 1969, and of agricultural rates between 1949/50 and 1978/79, with emphasis on the effect of high-yielding varieties. Next, discussion is given to the impact of new technology and of credit and input programs on interpersonal and interregional disparities. A review of the conflicts between growth and equity in agricultural strategies leads to proposals of a strategy based on: promoting irrigation in areas where feasible and serving small farmers in these areas; developing technologies in dry areas; promoting non-farm occupations, cottage industries, and small industries in rural areas; and developing massive, decentralized rural works and food for work programs. Concluding chapters are devoted to the institutional and agricultural planning and implementation reforms needed to make the strategy a success. A 5-page bibliography and remarks on Indian agriculture from a Western European, Japanese, and U.S. perspectives follow.