Impact of policy reforms on market performance in Andhra Pradesh: A case study of jaggery market in Visakhapatnam District

Present study was carried-out to assess the impact of Policy Reforms on Market Performance in Andhra Pradesh, with special reference to jaggery market in Visakhapatnam district. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. The time series data for the period 2000–01 to 2014–15 years relating to the monthly arrivals and prices, were obtained from the annual administrative reports of APMCs (Agricultural Produce Market Committee), Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The total period was classified as Pre-reform period (2000–01 to 2007–08) and Post-reform period (2008–09 to 2014–15). Opinion of farmers and traders were collected through pre-tested schedules. Analytical tools like Multiple Linear Regression, Gini Coefficient and Likert Summative scale were employed. Results revealed that reforms had significantly affect on the arrivals of jaggery. Every rupee increase in the price of jaggery per quintal was associated with decrease in arrivals by 4, 990 quintals, whereas, one rupee increase in the actual cane price paid per quintal by the sugar factories decreased the arrivals of jaggery by 8, 790 quintals. Concentration of power (Gini Coefficient) was less in Commission agents (0.46) and moderate in Whole selers (0.59). Reforms are more liked by farmers than traders. Hence, the reforms should be hastened