Agricultural Marketing Reforms in India: A Stakeholder Perception Analysis
Published by: Admin
Authors: Vidhi Jain, Baljinder Kaur Sidana and Jasdev Singh
Abstract
The paper analysed the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding agricultural marketing reforms in India. Primary data were collected through a simple random sampling technique from 105 stakeholders, including farmers, commission agents, market officials, research workers and Kisan Union leaders from five regulated markets in Punjab. Stakeholders’ perceptions were analysed using a three point likert scale and mean score technique. The findings indicated that stakeholders recognised the role of Minimum Support Price, Model APMC Act and e-Nam in improving price assurance, market transparency and market access. However, concerns persisted regarding inadequate infrastructure, delayed digital payments, insufficient technical assistance, increasing private sector domination, unequal bargaining power, ambiguous contracts and inefficient dispute resolution procedures under recent agricultural marketing reform. The study recommended strengthening price assurance, market infrastructure, digital support systems and farmer protection mechanisms to support an inclusive, transparent, and sustainable agricultural marketing system.