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Abstract
A pre-requisite of inclusive economic growth is the faster growth in agriculture as it is a major source of livelihood for about 45% of the population. The current regime envisages meeting multiple goals of enhancing farmers’ income, improving resource-use efficiency and sustainability through effective institutional and policy support to adoption of improved technologies and agronomic practices. This policy paper examines the recent changes in Indian agriculture from several angles, including agrarian structure, cropping choices, investment patterns, and farmers’ income. Information is essential for enhancing productivity. The paper also discusses information needs of farmers, procurement of inputs, and disposal patterns of agricultural produce. I hope the evidence presented in this paper will help stakeholders to understand the transformation in agriculture, and accordingly provide feedback for reforming and redesigning of policies and programmes to meet the emerging challenges in agriculture.