Making Rapid Strides Agriculture in Madhya Pradesh: Sources, Drivers, and Policy Lessons

This paper study the composition, sources and drivers of agricultural growth in Madhya Pradesh to identify the factors that have contributed to robust agricultural growth in the state and discuss the lessons that can be drawn for many other states of India. The study finds that among the many measures taken by the state government to make rapid strides in agriculture, three interventions stand out – expanded irrigation, a strong procurement system put in place for wheat along with bonus over MSP for wheat, and all-weather roads to connect farmers to markets. In particular, irrigation coverage through tube-wells was expanded through the state government’s strategy of initially focusing on providing good quality power supply to farmers during the wheat irrigation season.