2. Green Revolution in Eastern India

This chapter has discussed the role of various stakeholders in the overall agricultural growth strategy in the eastern region. It is argued that the eastern India is relatively backward in terms of crop diversification and crop productivity. Non-viability of the small farms, inadequacies in the available inputs, extension services, marketing systems and infrastructure have been found to be the primary reasons behind the continuing low productivity and poverty syndrome and enhanced regional disparities in this region. Changes in institutional arrangements in the land tenure system such as land leasing, contract farming and corporate farming could make small farms economically viable. Further, by involving the corporate sector in agri-business and value chain innovations, meaningful employment opportunities could be generated for educated youth. With the State Governments as facilitators in eastern India, the small and marginal farmers, the corporate sector and all financial institutions can work together towards mutual prosperity, besides ensuring food security. By forging strategic alliances with key stakeholders, the corporate sector can provide a sound business framework, which could be a panacea for the ills of the agriculture sector in general and the small and marginal farmers in eastern India, in particular. Recognising the gap between available potentials and actual growth achieved in agriculture in the eastern region, the action plan suggested here to integrate small and marginal farmers, quality inputs supply, output markets and supply chains could be useful in the utilization of fund created for bringing Green Revolution in eastern India.