Policy refers to a deliberate system of principles, rules, guidelines and actions adopted by a government or an organization to achieve specific objectives in a given area. It provides direction to decision-making, sets priorities, allocates resources and establishes a framework within which programmes and activities are designed and implemented. A policy is not merely a statement of intent; it embodies the values, goals and strategies of the authority formulating it. It outlines what is to be done, why it is to be done, how it is to be done and who will be responsible for its execution. Policies may be economic, social, environmental or sector-specific, and they evolve over time in response to changing socio-economic conditions and emerging challenges. Agricultural policy is a subset of public policy that specifically deals with the development, regulation and management of agriculture and allied sectors such as horticulture, livestock, fisheries, forestry and agro-processing. It comprises the laws, regulations, incentives, subsidies, institutional arrangements and development programmes formulated by the government to influence agricultural production, distribution, marketing, resource use and rural livelihoods. Agricultural policy aims to ensure food security, improve farmers’ incomes, promote sustainable use of natural resources and integrate agriculture with the broader economy. In a country like India, where a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood and where food security remains a critical concern, agricultural policy occupies a central place in national planning and development strategy. In the context of Indian agriculture, policy formulation is influenced by multiple factors such as population growth, land fragmentation, climate variability, technological advancements, market dynamics, global trade agreements and socio-economic disparities among farmers. The Government of India, along with state governments, plays a crucial role in designing and implementing agricultural policies. Policy formulation generally involves identifying key problems, consulting stakeholders including farmers, researchers and industry representatives, assessing available resources and aligning objectives with national development goals. Institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, NITI Aayog, agricultural universities and research bodies like ICAR contribute to policy design and evaluation. The primary goal of agricultural policy in India has historically been to achieve food security. After independence, India faced severe food shortages and dependence on imports. The Green Revolution strategy, supported by policies related to input subsidies, minimum support prices (MSP), credit facilities and public procurement, aimed to increase food grain production, particularly wheat and rice. Ensuring adequate availability of food grains at affordable prices continues to be a