India, Jan. 29 -- About a decade ago, India set a target to double farm incomes by 2022. Official data shows that this has indeed happened, as incomes rose by over 100 per cent between 2015-16 and 2022-23. Independent reports state that the target was missed by about 25 per cent, and there are wide variations across the states. To be fair, investments in irrigation, seeds, and technology raised yields. Some diversified into horticulture, dairy, poultry, and fisheries, which offer higher returns. Certain welfare schemes provided some stability. Digital markets, and agriculture logistics improved price discovery.

Yet, the truth is that the gains are uneven. Rich farmers, and educated professionals-turned-farmers benefit more. For most grow...