Power, Policy, and the Politics of Food in India

Food, as a fundamental necessity for human survival, represents not only a basic right but also a critical responsibility of the state. This responsibility becomes even more significant in developing and poverty-stricken nations, where the state's dual obligation lies in supporting both the producers—primarily farmers—and the consumers, who often face food insecurity. Moreover, agriculture plays a pivotal role in shaping a country’s overall economic health, influencing employment, income distribution, and trade balance. Agricultural policy, therefore, becomes a key instrument through which the state can drive inclusive growth and ensure food security. However, this paper seeks to analyze how private corporate interests, in collaboration with state mechanisms and influenced by global powers, are reshaping agricultural policy to serve market-oriented objectives. This reorientation often sidelines ethical and moral considerations of food justice, sustainability, and equity, ultimately compromising the broader economic and social goals of food security.