New Delhi, Jan. 31 -- India needs a market-driven approach to agriculture, the Economic Survey 2024-25 said, advocating policies that allow farmers to receive "unimpeded price signals" while protecting vulnerable households from cost-of-living shocks.

Unimpeded price signals refer to market prices that accurately reflect supply and demand without distortions from external interventions like subsidies, price controls or trade restrictions.

The Survey underscored the urgency of shifting away from excessive cereal production and encouraging diversification into pulses and edible oils to correct supply imbalances and improve agricultural sustainability.

The call for reform comes at a time when Indian agriculture is grappling with structura...