Research Highlights Changes in Farmers’ Marketing and Stocking Decisions, Need for Domestic Agri-Information Systems

In a significant stride towards understanding the dynamics of agricultural economies and empowering farmers with robust information systems, March 20, 2024, marks two pivotal research reports. The first one is about the changes in farmers' marketing and stocking decisions, and the other highlights the necessity for a domestic agricultural information system in the global context.

The reports were released by a distinguished quorum comprising Dr Ashok Gulati, Former  Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), T Nandkumar- Former Secretary, of the Ministry of Agriculture, Siraj Hussain former secretary of Food Processing and agriculture and  Premkumar Malhotra – Chairman NCDEX Investor Protection Trust in the presence of policy-makers, distinguished economists, industry participants, academicians, regulatory bodies, banks, trade associations and farmer producer organizations.

Commissioned by NCDEX Investor Protection Fund Trust, these research initiatives were undertaken by leading experts in the field, aiming to validate the underlying reasons for the change in the supply chain with the power center shifting from the industry into the hands of the primary producer. With the help of this, the empowered farmer is transitioning from being a distressed seller to making informed decisions based on available information, access to credit, and improved warehousing facility. This also led to defining the rationale behind having a credible agri-information system, that stitches together all fragmented pieces of information and upstages India as a credible data source.

Changes in Farmer's Marketing and Stocking Decisions

The former report presents a meticulous examination of the evolving landscape of farmers' marketing and stocking decisions. All government initiatives to empower the farmer in an era marked by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting consumer preferences, farmers face multifaceted challenges in navigating the intricate web of market dynamics.

This report encapsulates insights gleaned from extensive surveys, interviews, and data analysis, providing a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing farmers' choices in marketing their produce and managing their stocks. From the adoption of digital platforms for market access to the implications of climate change on stocking strategies, the findings offer invaluable guidance for policymakers, agricultural organizations, and farmers alike.

Global Agricultural Information Systems and the Need for Domestic Agri-Information Systems

The second research report explores the realm of global agricultural information systems, emphasizing the imperative for robust domestic Agri-information systems tailored to the unique environment in India. India is the largest producer, consumer, importer, and exporter of various agricultural commodities but is yet to position itself as a credible center to refer to for information on agri commodities.

In an increasingly interconnected world, access to timely, accurate, and relevant agricultural information is indispensable for fostering productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the agricultural sector. Drawing upon comparative analysis and case studies from diverse agricultural landscapes, this report underscores the pivotal role played by information systems in driving agricultural development and facilitating informed decision-making at various levels of the value chain.

These research reports mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to undertake informed decisions regarding the marketing of agri commodities at all levels (policy, corporate, and farm). It also validates the need for market-driven tools and awareness needed to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Both the reports were presented and discussed in detail by all participants. Deliberations and further actions on the findings/recommendations of these reports is a continuous exercise that requires relevant policy interventions along with a collaborative approach between all key stakeholders in the agri value chain.