Estimation of Demand Elasticity for Food Commodities in India

The food demand in India has been examined in the context of a structural shift in the dietary pattern of its population. The results have reinforced the hypothesis of a significant diversification in the dietary pattern of households in recent years and has found stark differences in the consumption pattern across different income quartiles. The food demand behaviour has been explained using a set of demand elasticities corresponding to major food commodities. The demand elasticities have been estimated using multi-stage budgeting with QUAIDS model and another alternative model, FCDS. The study has revealed that the estimated income elasticities vary across income classes and are lowest for cereals group and highest for horticultural and livestock products. The analysis of price and income effects based on the estimated demand system has suggested that with increase in food price inflation, the demand for staple food (rice, wheat and sugar) may not be affected adversely but, that of high-value food commodities is likely to be affected negatively. Therefore, the study has cautioned that if inflation in food prices remains unabated for an extended period, there is the possibility of reversal of the trend of diversification and that of consumers returning to cereal-dominated diet, thus accentuating under-nourishment.Food demand, Demand elasticity, QUAIDS model, FCDS model, Household food demand, Agricultural and Food Policy, Q11, Q18,

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Not AvailableThis paper analyses the trends in capital formation in fisheries sub-sector and the responsiveness of fisheries sector to capital formation during the period of 1990-91 to 2014-15. We find structural breaks in capital formation, coinciding with policy changes. There has been a deceleration in capital formation immediate post-liberalisation. The share of fisheries sub-sector in agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) has gradually increased, from 4.3 % in 1994-95 to 5.4% in 2014-15. Correspondingly, the share of fisheries sub-sector in gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) in agricultural sector has increased from 3.4% to 9.7%. However, the efficiency of investment in the fisheries sub-sector has declined; the incremental capital output ratio (ICOR) has increased from 3.2 to 8.3 during this period. The fast decline of the efficiency of capital can be attributed to over-capitalisation of some segments of this sub-sector, particularly marine fisheries characterised by a large number of mechanised fishing vessels. The public capital formation in fisheries as a share of the total pubic capital formation is very low. Inland fisheries also face sustainability issues in terms of environmental degradation. Improving the capital productivity warrants implementation of norms of sustainable fisheries. This requires prioritization of segments for capital infusion and prioritization of geographical locations.Not Availabl

Structural Transformation in Dairy Sector of India

The paper has looked into the process of structural transformation of India’s dairy sector. During the past two decades, the sector grew at the rate of 4 per cent per year, making milk as the single largest agricultural commodity in the country. The growth in dairying has primarily been driven by yield improvement. A conspicuous shift has been observed in the composition of dairy herd from traditional to crossbred cows and buffaloes, and this led to improvements in milk-yield. Genetic enhancement, better management of stock and farmers’ improved access to milk markets have driven the process of transformation. Nevertheless, the status of dairy infrastructure and the delivery of veterinary services in the country are still poor and concerted efforts are required to bring about further transformation

Estimation of Demand Elasticity for Food Commodities in India

The food demand in India has been examined in the context of a structural shift in the dietary pattern of its population. The results have reinforced the hypothesis of a significant diversification in the dietary pattern of households in recent years and has found stark differences in the consumption pattern across different income quartiles. The food demand behaviour has been explained using a set of demand elasticities corresponding to major food commodities. The demand elasticities have been estimated using multi-stage budgeting with QUAIDS model and another alternative model, FCDS. The study has revealed that the estimated income elasticities vary across income classes and are lowest for cereals group and highest for horticultural and livestock products. The analysis of price and income effects based on the estimated demand system has suggested that with increase in food price inflation, the demand for staple food (rice, wheat and sugar) may not be affected adversely but, that of high-value food commodities is likely to be affected negatively. Therefore, the study has cautioned that if inflation in food prices remains unabated for an extended period, there is the possibility of reversal of the trend of diversification and that of consumers returning to cereal-dominated diet, thus accentuating under-nourishment

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Evidence from village level studies (VLS)

PRIFPRI3; ISI; CRP2; CRP4; Capacity Strengthening; B Promoting healthy food systemsPIM; A4NH; SAOCGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM); CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH

Commodity outlook on major cereals in India

Non-PRIFPRI5SA

Household-level food and nutrition insecurity and its determinants in eastern India

Past studies have reported serious levels of food insecurity and under-nutrition existing in the eastern belt of India. This study specifically examined the food consumption pattern, levels of nutrition intake and nutrient intake gap of sample households in 12 villages of Eastern India based on data collected during the agricultural year 2011–12. The results point to serious levels of nutrient intake deficit in the sample villages, though with notable disparities in its level of incidence. Major socio-economic and demographic variables that determine the calorie deficit status of the households were identified, the knowledge of which is important while planning interventions.PRIFPRI3; ISI; DCA; 2 Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for allSA

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