Climate change effects on Chickpea yield and its variability in Andhra Pradesh, India

Farmers usually do not know the precise output that is affected by climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall and are characterized by inter-annual variability, part of which is caused by global climate change. No study covers the influences of climate factors on yield and yield risk in the context of chickpea farming in Andhra Pradesh, India. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the trends in climate change variables during Rabi season (October to January, 1996-2020) and evaluated their variability on chickpea yields across different agro-climatic zones in Andhra Pradesh by employing Just and Pope production function. Four non-parametric methods-Alexandersson’s Standard Normal Homogeneity Test, Buishand’s Range Test, Pettitt’s Test and Von Neumann’s Ratio Test are applied to detect homogeneity in the data. Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope (SS) method were employed to analyze monthly rainfall trends and minimum and maximum temperature trends. Results of Just and Pope (panel data) quadratic and Cobb-Douglas methods revealed that monthly minimum temperature positively influenced the mean yield of chickpea (0.22% and 0.16%, respectively). However, rainfall (-0.41% and -0.31%) and maximum temperature (-0.08% and -0.04%) negatively influenced the mean yield of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb-Douglas models, respectively. Accordingly, rainfall (0.08% and 0.06%) and maximum temperature (0.83% and 0.72%) positively influenced the yield variability and minimum temperature (-0.77% and -0.67%) reduced yield variability of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb-Douglas models respectively. In view of these findings, it is imperative to advocate the farmers about the importance of cultivating drought-tolerant chickpea varieties, drought-proofing and mitigation strategies, micro-irrigation practices and improving their access to agro-meteorological information towards sustainable chickpea cultivation in Andhra Pradesh

The CAPCI Network: A CAncer Prostate Consortium of India for Conducting Next-Generation Genomic Sequencing Studies

The CAncer Prostate Consortium of India (CAPCI) was established in September 2020 by a group of researchers and clinicians interested in identifying inherited and somatic risk factors that are related to theonset of prostate cancer (PCa). The consortium aims to improve the patient care and treatment in India byexploring and expanding the utility of genomic repositories associated with PCa. These aims are reached by advancing discovery in genome science particular to Indian phenotypes, translating scientific discoveries to improved standard of care. One of the impending goals of the consortium is to combine the data from the west and other sub-population ancestries, and identify common and exclusive risk profiles associated with PCa in Indian scenarios. These findings would additionally allow us to validate in experimental settings to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of PCa besides understanding new personalized therapeutic regimens

Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Telangana, India: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

It is known that inability of the farmers to exploit the available production technologies results in lower efficiencies of production. So, the measurement of technical efficiency in agricultural crops in developing countries like India gained renewed attention since the late 1980s from an increasing number of researchers. Accordingly, the present study has employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index to ascertain the Technical Efficiency of rice productivity (2021-2022) and its changes over the study period (2019-2020 to 2021- 2022) respectively in Telangana, India. This study was based on secondary data pertaining to rice productivity (output variable), fertilizer doses (NPK), seed rate, water applied and organic manure (input variables). The findings of Data Envelopment Analysis revealed that the overall mean technical efficiency score across all the Decision-Making Units was 0.860 ranged between 0.592 to 1.000. So, the Decision-Making Units, on an average, could reduce their input usage by 14 per cent and still could produce the same level of rice output. Further, fertilizers (60.54 kg/ha); seed (5.63 kg/ha); water (234.48 mm) and organic manure (3.76 t/ha) use can be reduced without affecting the current level of rice productivity. Malmquist Total Factor Productivity indices (2019-2020 to 2021-2022) revealed that the mean scores of technical efficiency change, pure technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change are more than one (1.153, 1.042 and 1.009 respectively), unlike technological change (0.983). All the Decision-Making Units showed impressive progress with reference to technical efficiency change (1.112) and it is the sole contributor for Total Factor Productivity change in rice cultivation. The DEA results suggest that farmers should be informed about the use of inputs as per the scientific recommendations to boost the technical efficiency of rice productivity in Telangana. It also calls for policy initiatives for distribution of quality inputs to the farmers to boost technical efficiency in rice production

Competitiveness of Indian Agricultural Exports: A Constant Market Share Analysis

The 1991 Indian reforms aimed at economic liberalization, as a part of its economic structural adjustment, and transformed the nation’s economy into a more global market-based and service-oriented system, which revolutionized its agricultural trade facet. The new regime paved the way for the self-reliant Indian agriculture to expand its roots into the spheres of global competitiveness and export orientation. India enjoys competitive advantage in the international market and considering the growth in India’s exports of major agricultural commodities. This study employed Constant Market Share model to analyze the export performance of its various facets such as diversification, instability, elasticity, competitiveness, etc. The findings revealed that India’s growth performance of major agricultural commodities’ exports both in terms of quantity and value was found satisfactory (except wheat and cashew nuts, shelled (quantity)) during 1991-2020. During the recent past decade, i.e., 2011-2020, World Demand Effect (WDE) is the main sources of India’s agricultural export performance (due to general rise/fall in world demand given a constant market share of the India, unlike Market Distribution Effect (MDE), Commodity Composition Effect (CCE) and the Residual Competitiveness Effect (RCE) due to high inconsistency arising out of changes in external environment). Both MDE and RCE with respect to commodity-wise exports and CCE and RCE with respect to country-wise exports are found negative for majority of commodities and countries (markets) respectively. Consistently negative CCE for exports of agricultural products, total and across major export destinations were found more disheartening and this should deserve special attention. So, it is imperative to boost the export competitiveness of agricultural commodities from India and the future prospects of exports depend on how much the latest surge in COVID-19 infections in India affects its agricultural production and global demand conditions

Competitiveness of Indian Agricultural Commodities – Constant Market Share Analysis

Export competitiveness of a country in transacting agricultural commodities mainly depend upon three factors, viz., growth in demand in importing countries, competitiveness of the commodity in the international market and focus country’s export share matching the demand requirements in importing countries. In this paper, the export growth of five major commodities viz., rice milled-equivalent, maize, chickpea, cotton lint and chillies and peppers, dry is decomposed through employing Constant Market Share Analysis (CMSA) into broad components and its sub components. The findings revealed that the exports of selected commodities, especially cotton lint and chillies and peppers, dry showed considerable growth during overall reference period. CMSA results showed that SE is dominant for export growth of rice milled-equivalent, SOE influenced the export growth for maize, chickpea and chillies and peppers, dry and CE accounted for export growth of cotton lint from India during overall reference period. The findings also inferred that cost-effective production, quality product, prompt shipments and assured delivery of the product in right time are the key factors for influencing export growth. So, India has to adopt dual strategy through concentrating on traditional markets by increasing export competitiveness and explore new markets for future export strategy

Does the participation in modern marketing channels for dry chillies affect economic welfare? Evidence from India

AbstractThe choice of marketing channels holds significant implications for the economic welfare and stability of smallholder dry chilli farmers in India. This study aims to investigate the impact of participating in modern marketing channels on the economic welfare of smallholder dry chilli farmers. Dry chilli marketing in Andhra Pradesh encompasses both traditional and modern channels. Traditional avenues include Agricultural Produce Market Committees, while modern options involve linking with retail malls and utilizing the Kalgudi e-market online platform. The first stage of multivariate endogenous switching regression model (MESRM) reveals significant determinants influencing farmers’ participation in modern channels. Factors like access to extension services, education, technical support from ANGRAU and the Department of Agriculture, engagement with retail malls and e-markets, access to market information, and membership in Farmers’ Producer Organizations encourage farmers to adopt modern channels. The subsequent MESRM stage reaffirms these factors’ positive impact on household welfare across various marketing channels. The study’s focal point, Average Treatment Effects, highlights substantial income improvements for participants in modern marketing channels. The counterfactual analysis reveals that smallholder farmers engaging in modern marketing channels would have experienced lower gross economic welfare if they had not participated. These findings underscore modern channels’ vital role in enhancing smallholder farmers’ economic well-being. So, Government entities and agricultural institutions should prioritize developing linkages between farmers and retail malls. Ensuring robust digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity and user-friendly online platforms, is essential to empower farmers in navigating modern channels effectively. Furthermore, policymakers should consider hybrid marketing strategies that seamlessly blend traditional and modern channels to cater to the diverse preferences of consumers. By acknowledging these findings and implementing corresponding policies, stakeholders can contribute to the growth and prosperity of smallholder dry chilli farmers, fostering sustainable development in the agricultural sector

Nurturing Growth: Agri-Startup Landscape in India and the Challenges Ahead

Agri-startups in India are pivotal drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship, addressing critical challenges related to food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. These startups leverage advanced technologies, data analytics, and precision farming techniques to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses, contributing significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Government initiatives such as the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” program, coupled with strategic collaborations with foreign entities, have provided substantial momentum to the agri-startup ecosystem in India. Through this concerted effort, various stakeholders, including Knowledge Partners and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana—Agribusiness Incubators, are actively nurturing and scaling innovative agricultural projects. Regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as hotspots for agri-startup activity, benefiting from conducive policy environments and robust agricultural infrastructure. The landscape of agri-tech investments in India has seen significant growth, with a notable surge in 2021, reaching $1.18 billion across 66 transactions. Despite a more cautious approach from investors in 2022, the number of transactions increased, indicating sustained interest. The agri-tech sector demonstrates maturity, with a steady investment pipeline and a notable increase in deals surpassing the$5 million threshold. Agri-startups empower smallholder farmers, contributing to SDGs related to food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability, fostering innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Agri-startups encounter several challenges, viz., limited access to capital, regulatory complexities, and technological limitations, hindering their growth. Pricing issues, market penetration constraints, and investor apathy further impede scalability. Despite these challenges, agri-startups promote environmental sustainability through practices like organic farming and water conservation. Collaborative research, training programs, and alignment with global sustainability trends empower farmers and position agri-startups to capitalize on emerging opportunities in sustainable agriculture markets worldwide

Restructuring State Intervention Strategies towards Chickpea Production Development in India—Application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the influence of exogenous variables (research and extension (RE), marketing aspects (MA), and infrastructure development (ID)) on the endogenous variable chickpea production development (CPD) to restructure policy interventions in India. Results of the measurement model revealed that all the latent variables have construct validity (both convergent validity and discriminant validity) and composite reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that all indicators of both exogenous and endogenous variables are significant. Yield-increasing production technologies (PT), minimum support prices (MSP), and storage structures (SS) and the three exogenous variables (research and extension, marketing, and infrastructure development) are the strongest indicators. For the endogenous variable CPD, remunerative prices (RP) is the strongest indicator and also serves as a driving force for other indicators. The results of the structural model revealed that RE is the most effective construct followed by ID and MA, and they cumulatively explained 89 percent of the total variation in CPD. Among these three constructs, MSP is the key indicator of MA with the highest loading factor (0.799), and hence it should be given the highest priority for promoting CPD in India