Beyond the Green Revolution: Unravelling new dynamics of India’s agrifood system transformation

MANGI LAL  JAT; PRATAP SINGH  BIRTHAL; SEDITHIPPA JANARTHANAN  BALAJI

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i8.184068

Authors

MANGI LAL JAT Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, India
PRATAP SINGH BIRTHAL Research and Information System for Developing Countries, New Delhi, India
SEDITHIPPA JANARTHANAN BALAJI Institute of Economic Growth, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i8.184068

Keywords:

Agrifood system transformation, Diversification, Policy, Sustainability, Technology

Abstract

For the past six decades, the dominant narrative of India’s agrifood system transformation has centred on the Green Revolution, mainly because of its predominant role in making the country self-sufficient in staple cereals. However, this perspective overshadows the equally important transformations that subsequently occurred in horticulture, dairying, poultry, and fisheries, which have contributed significantly to nutritional security, farmers’ livelihoods, and agricultural growth. Hence, this paper conceptualises the transformation of agrifood system as a dynamic process that unfolded in three distinct phases: technology-driven cereal intensification (1967–1995), demand-led diversification (1996–2014), and sustainability-led diversification from 2015 onwards. It examines the pace of structural transformation of the agrifood system across these phases and identifies the factors driving the transformation. The findings shows that agricultural growth, which remained at approximately 3% during the first two phases, accelerated to approximately 4.5% in the most recent phase. The composition of growth also changed markedly: cereals dominated the initial phase, horticulture and livestock gained prominence in the second phase, and since 2015, growth has become more broad- based across major commodities, fuelled by technological innovations and growing policy emphasis on sustainability and resilience. Sustaining this growth momentum will require gradual realignment of the Green Revolution-era incentives, particularly input subsidies and price support, with the emerging priorities of resource conservation, climate resilience, and sustainability, while enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and farmers’ income.

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