State of the Indian Farmer : A Millennium Study (published in 27 volumes along with a CD-Rom) is unique in the sense that it is focused on the ‘farmer’ — the man behind agriculture. This is the most comprehensive effort after the National Commission on Agriculture submitted its reports in 1976. These studies, on various individual themes, under this mega-project, are quite penetrating and painstaking, their authors being recognised authorities on the concerned subjects.

A comprehensive overview of these studies by Prof. Y.K. Alagh, provides a critical appraisal of the major issues addressed in these volumes. The mega study has been further enriched by a crisp and insightful preface by Prof. C.H. Hanumantha Rao touching almost every issue concerning the Indian farmer in today's scenario.

The 27-volume study, documenting the progression of agricultural development during the last five decades, will indeed go a long way in enriching our understanding of the nuances of development process and its welfare implications. The study will certainly help the future planners, policy-makers and all those interested in the welfare of the Indian farmers and the alleviation of rural poverty.—Academic Foundation