Indian Agriculture & Agri-Business Management, 2 Nd Ed.

Book excerpt: The book 'Indian Agriculture and Agribusiness Management' aims at providing students of agribusiness, teachers, researchers, professionals and all those interested in the field of agriculture with a broader understanding of agribusiness as a system and the key concepts needed to successfully manage an agribusiness enterprise. It serves as a basis to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the agribusiness system operates and the challenges faced in the movement of food and fiber from the producer to the ultimate consumer. The first part of the book helps in understanding the context within which agribusinesses operate in India. It focuses on the breadth and scope of agribusiness in India, policy initiatives undertaken by the Indian Government and the legal framework within which they function. The second half of the book deals with the complex network of inter related activities performed on the farm and past the farm gate such as natural resource management, input management, marketing management, supply chain management and risk management, as well as the institutional linkages needed for the same. It addresses issues relevant to decision making in a rapidly changing, highly competitive market environment led by technological advancement in area such as information technology and biotechnology. It provides an insight into management challenges related to rising input costs and shifting consumer preferences. Cases pertaining to the best practices and potential strategies adopted by a few innovative, successful organizations have also been incorporated. The book also incorporates several case studies that highlight the various concepts discussed in the different chapters.