Agricultural Policy Reforms and Farmer Welfare

Abstract Agriculture is essential to the Indian economy, providing jobs to nearly half of the workforce and ensuring national food security. The Government of India recognizes its significance and has introduced several agricultural policy reforms to improve productivity, stabilize farmer income, and enhance farmer welfare. These reforms include input subsidies, expanded irrigation, institutional credit, crop insurance, market liberalization, and income support programs. While these initiatives have led to better agricultural performance and financial inclusion, benefits have not been shared equally among farmers. Challenges such as climate variability, rising input costs, regional imbalances, and limited awareness contribute to this uneven distribution. This paper looks at key agricultural policy reforms in India and evaluates their effects on farmer welfare. It highlights the need for inclusive, sustainable, and long-term policies to ensure fair growth and improved livelihoods for farming communities.