Kriti Sharma

Horticulture sector in India: Trends, performance, and impact

Access to digital services and its impact on farm income: Empirical evidence from eastern India

Varietal turnover in potato and its effect on yield: Evidence from household surveys in India

ABSTRACT: Potato remains a crucial crop for achieving India’s food security goals and generating income for small-scale farmers. But India, the largest potato producer after China, lags behind its peers in yield. One of the major reasons for low potato yield in India is the slow varietal replacement rate. Empirical exploration of this issue is limited in the Indian context. This study utilizes a comprehensive field survey conducted in 2018-19 that captures information on 892 potato growing farmers from five major potato-producing states in India, namely, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Varietal replacement is captured through area-weighted average age, calculated as the average of the ages of the major potato varieties grown by the farmer, weighted by the variety’s share in the area under potato cultivation. We then examine the determinants of the area-weighted average age of potato varieties using a probit model, and its impact on potato yield, using a two-stage-least-squares instrumental variable regression model with state fixed effects. The probit model indicates that bigger household size is associated with lower varietal age or quicker varietal replacement rate. Furthermore, links to political parties and information about new seeds from friends, progressive farmers and input dealers are also key determinants of varietal age for potato crop in India. The outcome of instrumental variable regression establishes a negative association between varietal age and yield of potato, indicating that the adoption of new and improved potato varieties can help farmers achieve higher yield. The analysis also reveals the importance of access to weather forecasting information and linkages with agricultural organizations to attain higher yield. Inclusive platforms that foster collaboration of farmers with input dealers, progressive peers, and researchers are key for encouraging varietal replacement. Extension programs and targeted outreach in politically networked communities may also help bridge information gap. To align innovation with on-ground needs, it is important to involve farmers in the development process of varieties. These insights are instrumental for policymakers in enhancing farmers’ decision-making and boosting food security in India amidst the impending demographic challenges.