Agricultural Growth And Rural Poverty Reduction In India

This book provides a blueprint for the allocation of public expenditures “in” and “for” agriculture at the dis-aggregated state level and suggests a reorientation in favour of disadvantaged regions where the marginal returns on additional investments would be higher. It provides insights into the inter-linkages between public expenditures, private investment, rural poverty, and agriculture productivity from a regional perspective to reflect upon spatial differences in the welfare effects of various investments, subsidies, and policies. The book focuses on agricultural growth and rural poverty reduction through public and private investments, non-farm employment, and other pathways to the formulation of appropriate policies at the dis-aggregated state level. It presents new evidence based on advanced econometric tools for analysing and understanding the relationship between public and private investments in agriculture and input subsidies (fertilizer, power, irrigation, and credit) together with their impacts at the dis-aggregated state level. The book also deliberates on an income based direct support system for farmers as an alternative to the existing input price subsidy regime. Accordingly, the book offers valuable insights not only for researchers working on poverty alleviation, rural economy, and agricultural growth, but also for policymakers.

This book provides a blueprint for the allocation of public expenditures "in" and "for" agriculture at the dis-aggregated state level and suggests a reorientation in favour of disadvantaged regions where the marginal returns on additional investments would be higher. It provides insights into the inter-linkages between public expenditures, private investment, rural poverty, and agriculture productivity from a regional perspective to reflect upon spatial differences in the welfare effects of various investments, subsidies, and policies. The book focuses on agricultural growth and rural poverty reduction through public and private investments, non-farm employment, and other pathways to the formulation of appropriate policies at the dis-aggregated state level. It presents new evidence based on advanced econometric tools for analysing and understanding the relationship between public and private investments in agriculture and input subsidies (fertilizer, power, irrigation, and credit) together with their impacts at the dis-aggregated state level. The book also deliberates on an income based direct support system for farmers as an alternative to the existing input price subsidy regime. Accordingly, the book offers valuable insights not only for researchers working on poverty alleviation, rural economy, and agricultural growth, but also for policymakers.

In his study of the poverty alleviation programmes, the author finds that even though the poorest of the poor are relatively efficient in utilizing the assistance they receive, the schemes themselves are heavily dependent on the bureaucracy, leading to inefficiencies and leakages. Environmental degradation is attributed to the slow rate of land-augmenting technological change and the inequitable distribution of gains resulting in pressure on the environment from the poor as well as the affluent. On account of the low rate of capital formation and relatively efficient use of available resources, the author sees little scope for raising agricultural output in India merely by freeing the markets. On the basis of his study, Dr Rao recommends stepping up public investment in agriculture, especially in irrigation and research, as essential to raise the growth rate, and to realize the possible gains from trade as well as to ensure the equitable sharing of such gains.

This Is A Thematically Arranged And Presented Together At One Source One Of India`S Most Distinguished Economist C.H. Hanumantha Rao`S Less Accessible Although Academically Most Relevant Writings.

The development of rural India is imperative for inclusive and equitable growth, as well as to unlock the huge potential of a population that is presently trapped in poverty. The root cause of social insecurity in India is poverty and that is largely due to lack of adequate or productive employment opportunities. Agricultural growth is crucial for alleviating rural poverty. Similarly, development of rural industries is the key to rural development. These industries are generally artisan-based, located mostly in rural and semi-urban areas. Rural credit is another significant component of rural development strategy. Access to institutional credit to more farmers and appropriate quantity and quality of agricultural credit are crucial for realizing the full potential of agriculture as a profitable activity. This book examines the various aspects of rural development in India with focus on rural poverty.

This volume sets out a strategy for raising rural incomes which emphasises the creation of diversified rural economies with opportunities within and outside agriculture.

This book presents an extensive study on India’s agricultural and nonfarm sectors, examining prices, investments and policies, and suggesting various essential technological changes. It offers appropriate financial, institutional, and policy frameworks that can help to sustain agricultural growth and augment farmers’ incomes across geographical locations. Further, it addresses agricultural growth and rural poverty reduction through multiple pathways that also tackle varied geographical locations, making it a highly useful guide to understanding the changing contours in agriculture and rural areas across the country and among rural households with various social and economic backgrounds.

Contributed articles.