Area planning : precepts and practices

This study on area planning is a part of the continued research efforts of the Centre for Management in Agriculture at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Problem-oriented rese arch at the centre covers the following broad areas: (i) planning and implementation of programmes in the agricultural and rural sectors, (ii) production marketing, and processing of agricultural commodities, (iii) input supply systems, (iv) agri cultural finance, (v) management of social change in rural areas, (vi) agricultural development administration, and (vii) rural development for rural poor.

The present study examines concepts, and concerns itself with policy and implementation in area planning. It tries to bring together various academic viewpoints. It reviews experiments in and the policies on area planning. It concludes with a synthesis of these issues and suggests a practicable and viable area planning methodology. I am sure that this study will be useful not only to academics but also to policy makers and practical planners.