Indian agriculture has, since Independence, made rapid strides. In taking the annual foodgrains production from 51 million tonnes in early fifties to 206 million tonnes at the turn of the century, it has contributed significantly in achieving self-sufficiency in food and in avoiding food shortages. Interventions in foreign trade markets that induce a transfer of resources from agriculture invariably lead to depressed conditions in the sector. Some governments react with policies that subsidize agricultural inputs and raise farm-level commodity prices while, at the same time, maintaining low and stable food prices to urban consumers. The challenge of increasing agricultural productivity in a changing climate allows us to harness our multi-disciplinary capacities to innovate and push agriculture from being a part of the problem to where it is part of the solution. Agricultural best practices, conservation agriculture, and sustainable intensification are parts of a holistic approach that we present as pragmatic solutions. The book is an outcome of a collaborative study addressing the highest priority issue which India faces today in agricultural sector policies.

Dr. Chirantan Chattopadhyay, presently Vice-Chancellor, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, Pundibari, West Bengal (India) completed his PhD from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Indian Phytopathological Society, etc. has been conferred several awards [Vividhlaxi Audyogik Samshodhan Vikas Kendra (VASVIK) award for Agricultural Sciences & Technology, 2004; Hexamar Agricultural Research and Development Foundation (HARDF) Award, Indian Society Oilseeds Research, 2005; Prof V.P. Bhide Memorial Award, Indian Society Mycology Plant Pathology, 2010; Dodla Raghava Reddy Memorial Gold Medal, Plant Protection Association of India, 2016, etc.], holds one patent, has more than 25 years of research experience, published more than 89 research papers in reputed journals apart from eight books. His salient contributions include research in Integrated Pest Management in oilseed, pulse, vegetable crops, disease forecasting (including by use of Remote Sensing), host resistance to crop diseases, etc. He has mentored 5 PhD, 7 MSc students.