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Information and agricultural input markets: pearl millet seed in Rajasthan
Author(s) -
Tripp Robert,
Pal Suresh
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of international development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1099-1328
pISSN - 0954-1748
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1328(200001)12:1<133::aid-jid625>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - pearl , agriculture , agricultural economics , business , agroforestry , geography , economics , agronomy , biology , archaeology
The ability of commercial input markets to serve farmers depends on the effective exchange of information between firms and consumers. Insufficient information may leave farmers exposed to inappropriate products and can limit firms' ability to respond to farmers' needs. These issues are examined through a study of seed practices in eastern Rajasthan, where farmers increasingly utilize commercial pearl millet seed. Farmers have an incomplete understanding of the seed options available to them, and companies' efforts to provide information or assess demand are inadequate. Nevertheless, the evidence points to generally positive effects of the expansion of the commercial seed market. Suggestions are made for improving information flow through public sector plant breeding, consumer education, and the development of local capacity to test and assess commercial products. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.