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Farm support and market distortion: Evidence from India

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  • Abhinav Narayanan
  • Shekhar Tomar

Abstract

This paper studies market distortions due to farm support policies. Using a recently implemented Price Deficiency Payments (PDP) policy in India, we examine how PDP affects farm‐gate prices and crop supply. We document a new channel, the fall in reservation price of farmers under PDP, behind the decline in farm‐gate prices. This impact depends on the magnitude of the deficiency payments and can lead to a supply glut and price crash. Empirically, the scheme led to a 4% decrease in farm‐gate prices and a 51% increase in market arrivals for black‐gram, a crop with a high magnitude of PDP. Using bid‐level data on crop auctions, we rule out collusion among the market participants, another potential channel for price crash under PDP. The effects of the policy are transitory and disappear after the policy is withdrawn. In terms of welfare effects, this scheme is associated with a monetary loss of INR 1 billion. We discuss an alternate payment scheme that can reduce such losses. In summary, our results extend the current understanding of PDP schemes and contribute to the optimal design of such policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Abhinav Narayanan & Shekhar Tomar, 2023. "Farm support and market distortion: Evidence from India," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 105(3), pages 966-993, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:ajagec:v:105:y:2023:i:3:p:966-993
    DOI: 10.1111/ajae.12345
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    1. Digvijay S. Negi, 2024. "State Mediated Trade, Distortions and Air Pollution," Working Papers 129, Ashoka University, Department of Economics.
    2. Pubali Chakraborty & Anand Chopra & Lalit Contractor, 2024. "The Equilibrium Impact of Agricultural Support Prices and Input Subsidies," Working Papers 123, Ashoka University, Department of Economics.
    3. Ajewole, Kayode & Zereyesus, Yacob Abrehe & Cardell, Lila & Sabala, Ethan & Majumdar, Inder, 2025. "Assessing the Recent Shift in the Price Relationship Between India’s and Global Grain Markets," Economic Research Report 356562, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    4. Jialin Wang & Yanglin Wu & Jiyao Liu & Desheng Zhang, 2025. "Study of the Impact of Agricultural Insurance on the Livelihood Resilience of Farmers: A Case Study of Comprehensive Natural Rubber Insurance," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-23, August.

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