Poor rains forecast for 2015 could flatline the sector’s growth, already hit by untimely rains and last year’s drought
The govt should carry out immediate reforms in agriculture, or the sector will become its Achilles heel
Big-ticket items in the agri-food space—food and fertiliser subsidies—have largely remained untouched
Indian farmers need greater irrigation cover, not UPA-style loan waivers.
Prepare a contingency plan with ample supply of seeds, technology-powered crop insurance and easy credit
The current agrarian crisis needs to be converted into an opportunity for change, and to benefit our farmers
For greater coverage in the farm sector, the govt should bear a major portion of the premium payment
Re-orient food and fertiliser subsidies to have the fiscal space for investment in agri-R&D and irrigation
Innovative ideas, like setting up plants on canal tops and fish-ponds, can bring down costs
This was the time to rationalise subsidies and boost investments. But Budget stopped way short
Direct cash transfer to farmers can save Rs 10,000 crore by stopping the diversion of urea for non-agricultural use
