Innovations for Linking Farmers to Markets: Indian Experience

Abstract

Continuous fragmentation of land, lack of public investments and above all shifting of food consumption pattern towards high value products particularly fruits and vegetable have made India's grain-based cropping pattern non-remunerative. In the present era of globalization, horticulture appears to be the most potential sector for export as well as for generating non-farm employment opportunities. But, India’s supply chain is crowded by numerous intermediaries that deprive both farmers, especially small holders, and the final consumers. Diversification of agriculture and linking farmers to markets become essential. The present study examines the modalities of the arrangements to link farmers to markets in India on the basis of published survey reports and records and undertakes a stakeholder analysis. The study reveals that no single arrangement can be a panacea for all the situations and emphasizes need to take into account India’s socio-economic and agro-climatic diversities while formulating such arrangements for effective results.

Keywords: horticulture, non-farm employment, market access, agribusiness, organised retail

JEL Classification: D4