This year’s union budget indicates a seismic shift in Indian Government thinking on agriculture, viewing it as not just as a ‘survival’ industry, but as one that generates income and growth. But to take Indian agriculture out of the time warp it is in currently, the government must entice increased engagement from the private sector.

With the increase in allocation to the agriculture sector in Budget 2016, the Modi government has revealed a renewed tilt towards rural India. How this financial roadmap will lead to revitalizing agriculture and developing rural India will depend on the politics.