The transformation of the Indian agricultural input industry: has it increased agricultural R&D?

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (S1) ◽  
pp. 145-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl E. Pray ◽  
Latha Nagarajan
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Urfels ◽  
Andrew J. McDonald ◽  
Gerardo van Halsema ◽  
Paul C. Struik ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
...  

AbstractTimely crop planting is a foundation for climate-resilient rice-wheat systems of the Eastern Gangetic Plains—a global food insecurity and poverty hotspot. We hypothesize that the capacity of individual farmers to plant on time varies considerably, shaped by multifaceted enabling factors and constraints that are poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, two complementary datasets were used to characterize drivers and decision processes that govern the timing of rice planting in this region. The first dataset was a large agricultural management survey (rice-wheat: n = 15,245; of which rice: n = 7597) from a broad geographic region that was analyzed by machine learning methods. The second dataset was a discussion-based survey (n = 112) from a more limited geography that we analyzed with graph theory tools to elicit nuanced information on planting decisions. By combining insights from these methods, we show for the first time that differences in rice planting times are primarily shaped by ecosystem and climate factors while social factors play a prominent secondary role. Monsoon onset, surface and groundwater availability, and land type determine village-scale mean planting times whereas, for resource-constrained farmers who tend to plant later ceteris paribus, planting is further influenced by access to farm machinery, seed, fertilizer, and labor. Also, a critical threshold for economically efficient pumping appears at a groundwater depth of around 4.5 m; below this depth, farmers do not irrigate and delay planting. Without collective action to spread risk through synchronous timely planting, ecosystem factors such as threats posed by pests and wild animals may further deter early planting by individual farmers. Accordingly, we propose a three-pronged strategy that combines targeted strengthening of agricultural input chains, agroadvisory development, and coordinated rice planting and wildlife conservation to support climate-resilient agricultural development in the Eastern Gangetic Plains.





2021 ◽  
Vol 146 ◽  
pp. 105616
Author(s):  
Jordan Blekking ◽  
Nicolas Gatti ◽  
Kurt Waldman ◽  
Tom Evans ◽  
Kathy Baylis
Keyword(s):  


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-265
Author(s):  
Y.J. WAGHMODE ◽  
A.N. DESAI ◽  
RADHIKA BHONGALE
Keyword(s):  


2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Henderson ◽  
Frank Dooley ◽  
Jay Akridge
Keyword(s):  


Author(s):  
Sylvester Amoako Agyemang ◽  
Tomáš Ratinger ◽  
Miroslava Bavorová




Author(s):  
Julius Juma Okello ◽  
Ruth M. Okello ◽  
Edith Ofwona-Adera

In many developing countries smallholder farmer participation in agricultural input and output markets continues to be constrained by lack of market information. Actors in most developing country markets operate under conditions of information asymmetry which increases the costs of doing business and locks out smallholder farmers. Attempts to address this problem are currently focusing on the use of ICT technologies to provide market information and link farmers to markets. This study examines the awareness and use of one such technology – mobile phones. It finds for male and female smallholder farmers in Kenya a high level of awareness and widespread use of mobile phones, mainly for social purposes. This study further finds that a low level of education, the cost of mobile phone airtime recharge vouchers and the lack of electricity for recharging phone batteries are the major impediments to the ownership and use of mobile phones, with female farmers more constrained than males. A high awareness of mobile phones among smallholder farmers presents an opportunity to strengthen smallholder farmers’ market linkage. However constraints to the usage of mobile phones will need to be addressed. The study findings indicate priorities for policymakers dealing with the specifics of ICT adoption as a tool to promote rural viability via rationalization of Kenyan agricultural markets.



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