Sharmistha Banerjee
Sharmistha Banerjee : Professor, Department Of Business Management, University Of Calcutta, India

Mohua Banerjee
Mohua Banerjee: Professor - Marketing, Dean - Placements, Corporate & Alumni Relations International Management Institute Kolkata, India

Suneel Kunamaneni
Suneel Kunamaneni : Senior Lecturer In Innovation Management, Senior Consultant, The Retail Institute Course Leader, M.Sc. Entrepreneurship And Business Development Leeds Beckett University, Uk

Alfred Chinta
Alfred Chinta: Course Director - Mba Programmes, Leeds Business School, Leeds Beckett University, Uk

Agriculture is not merely a simple way of living anymore. The primary sector employs more than 30% of the country’s labour force and contributes about 15 % to India’s GDP. Moreover, India being an avid exporter of agricultural production, it also brings in foreign exchange of 35 Billion USD. Therefore, engagement of farmers is not as simple an activity as we would like to believe. Being a state subject, private sector engagement along with state support would bring in advancement of agricultural cooperation, modernization and digitalization for effective innovation in the field. The agricultural value chain ranging from inputs to marketing has a lot of gaps, which in turn can be utilized as opportunities for entrepreneurial interventions. This book comprises articles and research papers that deal extensively in three key focus areas, which is its unique proposition. A novel collection, it brings together writings on (i) Entrepreneurial Innovations that Impact Agriculture, (ii) Government Policies and Interventions in Entrepreneurship and (iii) Farmers’ Development and Welfare through Agriculture. For ‘Entrepreneurial Innovations that Impact Agriculture’, the authors discuss BOP Model for Satellite data, Vertical and Sustainable Farming, Innovations in Agriculture and Solar-Water Pump, Packaging and Harvest & Post-harvest Wastages. The section on ‘Government Policies and Interventions in Entrepreneurship’ has articles on Agricultural Insurance, Staple Food Pricing, Intellectual Property Rights in agriculture, Corporate Governance, Organic Farming and Women farmers. ‘Farmers’ Development and Welfare through Agriculture’ has authors writing about Infrastructure Investment and Rural Entrepreneurship, Food Processing, Marketing Intelligence, CropInsurance and Market Performances. The articles in this book aim to bring to the reader a heterogenous collection about entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture. The basic Indian way of life, is not just production of crops by marginal farmers, but opens up a gamut of activities that touch upon different avenues in economic being with the hope of developing the primary sector holistically. The book is a humble attempt to encourage readers to think of agriculture as a domain where innovation touches lives and creates enormous impact in multiple dimensions of society

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   Foreword
   
   Agriculture is a state subject, i.e. it forms a part of the state list of Indian Constitution, which essentially means that the State Governments are supposed to address all the issues related to agriculture. This is based on the fact that the local knowledge of each agro-climatic zones and cropping patterns, and regional uniqueness give rise to various geography-specific agricultural issues, which are best addressed by the State Governments. However, over the years, Indian agriculture scenario has definitely evolved and demands more attention from the State as well as the Central government.

   The modern day challenges relating to farmers in each region move beyond extreme weather conditions like too much rain or no rain, drought, vagaries of nature, and include ever-increasing price of fertilizers and pesticides, exorbitant interest rates of moneylenders, the pressure from the banks to repay the loan, global food crop and dietary changes. On the other hand, trade and commerce, import and export and banking are in the union list. So the Union and the State Governments have passed several laws relating to agriculture and allied areas like export of agricultural produce, import of seeds, fertilisers, etc. Over the years, agriculture has been influenced by international agreements and legal regulations.

   Considering India is also a signatory to several international treaties and the division of power between the Centre and the State is not likely to stand in the way while implementing such commitments. As agriculture has been debated in the trade talks (WTO and in many other multilateral forums) where the Union Government participates, it may be considered that the country as a whole may be represented and the diversity be included in the comprehensive decisions.

   Agriculture is no more a simple way of life, employing more than 30% of the country’s workforce; contributing about 15 % to India’s GDP and it also brings in foreign exchange of 35 Billion USD. Thus engagement of farmers cannot be considered to be a simple activity. It is a vehicle of leading the country’s rich agricultural legacy into large revenue generating vehicle.

   I am impressed by the timeliness of the issue addressed by the project, “Fostering Entrepreneurship for Sustainable and Inclusive Agri-Food Innovation: A comparative analysis of India and UK”, and I applaud UGC and BCL for supporting this joint research project under the aegis of UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI). The encouragement of the farming community into entrepreneurial business is one of the most important ways of developing the rural youth of India. The Government has been reorienting the agriculture sector by focusing on an income-centeredness which goes beyond achieving merely the targeted production. The income approach focuses on achieving high productivity, reduced cost of cultivation and remunerative price on the produce, with a view to earn higher profits from farming.

   Keeping this in mind, the States are encouraged to participate in an Index i.e. Ease of Doing Agri-Business. The concept is to consider farming not solely as a production-oriented activity carried out to achieve food security for the country, but as a business activity carried out by the farmer as an entrepreneur. The proposed index has taken the aspects of increasing production/productivity, increasing price realisation of agri produce and decreasing input costs of production, risk mitigation and investment related attributes. Apart from this, Agrinnovate India Limited, a Government of India Enterprise is making efforts on “Agriprenuership - making business easy”. The various issues related to technology acquisition, IP management, fund raising and attracting the enthusiastic entrepreneurs and start-ups for providing the panorama of technology-based opportunities existing in the agricultural sector, panning crops, horticulture, dairy, fisheries, animal husbandry, agricultural engineering and biotechnology are also the focus of the Central Government. In an attempt to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, the Government is launching a new AGRI-UDAAN programme that will mentor start-ups and help them connect with potential investors. Managed by India’s premier farm research body, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the food and agri-business accelerator programme is being launched to convert innovative ideas from India’s rural youth into viable businesses.

   Indian entrepreneurs are developing new technologies and business models to meet this challenge. In 2018, the country had nearly 500 agricultural start-ups. In the past five years alone, these start-ups raised nearly $130 million from investors in about 70 deals. But they need much more investment and support to fulfil their potential. Supply chains for perishable commodities such as fruits and vegetables and non-perishables such as wheat and rice remain largely fragmented in India, with smallholder farmers earning low margins. Unpredictable demand, price volatility and post-harvest losses compound the risks. Most small farmers lack access to production support, including high-quality inputs (such as seeds, fertilisers and chemicals), advisory services, equipment rentals, crop health and yield data, and weather forecasts.

   At this juncture I find this book to be a noble effort to bridge the gap between academic research on agriculture, and innovative practices that will attract the youth from agricultural communities and others with an interest in this high potential sector and train them so they can add value to the farmers’ produce. Such a collection of articles which combines knowledge based pieces, innovative case studies and exploratory research will encourage start-up revolution in agriculture which so far has been limited to the services sector. The different articles in this book focus on modernising Indian agriculture which will require nothing less than a step change in key elements of the sector: supply chains and markets; production support; and credit and crop insurance.

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   BOP Model for Satellite Data for Small and Marginal Farmers to Overcome the Waste of Inputs, Financial Difficulties and Sustainability

   
   Alfred Chinta
   1 - 8 (8 Pages)
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   Abstract

   This chapter will look at the major reasons why farmers in India are unable to take advantage of Agricultural profession as a mode of generating income and suggest ways to change this by employing new technologies. Agriculture has basic processes which require identifying the season for planting the seeds at the right time, watering the plants to the required level, undertaking maintenance for the different plants and then finally harvesting at the right time to ensure that the effort that has been put into the agricultural process results in useful output. In business terms the output when it is valued in terms of money, should enable the farming business to sell their output at a certain price that will enable them to pay off the money that has been used for setting up the crop for that cycle. This chapter will underscore the valuable contribution of remote sensing data in farming to enhance operational decisions. We will look at how low-cost technologies can be implemented into the existing agricultural extension activities and help farmers make better decisions that will enable them to be more business oriented. It is envisaged that incorporating high technology-based data into simple to understand terminology willhelp reduce the burden on farmers. This is due to the lack of knowledge but also due to the low volume of information that is possible to be fed to the farmers through the agriculture extension network in the country. However, due to the varied nature of farming in India it is difficult for extension officers to specialise but concentrate their efforts on widely utilised crops in an area. The following figure below explains in simple terms how the cycle of activities occur in a farmer’s world and where business decisions are taken that will have an impact on the profitability.

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   Implementing Vertical Farming for Sustainable Food Production in Urban India: A Case Study of Urbagrow Aquaponics, Kolkata

   
   Abhik Kumar Mukherjee, Shaunak Roy
   9 - 22 (14 Pages)
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   Abstract

   The upsurge in global population rates has triggered a significant escalation in food demand across the world. This is accompanied by urbanisation and a pressing need for sustainable agriculture. In this context vertical cultivation of plants as well as breeding of livestock on vertically inclined surfaces, such as in skyscrapers and other high-rise buildings in urban regions has gained prominence. The dynamics of urban agriculture is captured through the case study of Urbagrow Aquaponics, an urban, aquaponic, soil-free, food garden based in Kolkata. The garden exhibits an assortment of aquaponic systems for growing a variety of vegetables as well as the tilapia and catfish. The systems make use of less water, require less work in man-hours and can grow vegetables in greater density than a traditional soil based food growing endeavour. A feasibility study has been conducted to explore the potential of scaling such a venture across myriad other high-rise buildings across Indian cities.

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   Innovation in Agriculture: Case of Dragon Fruit and Water Hyacinth

   
   Arkadipta Roy, Pritha Adhikari
   23 - 36 (14 Pages)
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   Abstract

   Sustainable development and success in any field, agriculture being one of them, goes hand in hand with Innovation. To tackle the current growing problems in the agricultural sector, and long-term sustainability of the agri-ecosystem, agricultural innovations are needed that might bring new products or processes or open up new markets, thereby optimising the use of the limited resources to attain maximum benefits. The authors discuss innovation from the perspective of two dimensions: Technology and Market to illustrate four different kinds of innovation - incremental, architectural, radial and descriptive. This paper deals with the concept of innovation in agricultural field [referred to as agri-innovation] using illustrations of two innovative products namely Dragon Fruit and Water Hyacinth, both of which have significant role in the agri-ecosystem of India. The introduction of Dragon Fruit in a new market is illustrated as an agri-innovation. Efforts by state and private sector of introducing Dragon Fruit, a popular production in South & South East Asia to Indian markets are an example of Architectural Innovation. Also the most common weed Water Hyacinth is considered to be used in news forms so that it can be modified as a new product for a new market. The paper thus documents the suitability of these innovative agri-products in the current Indian market scenario.

5. 4 

   Innovative Model of Solar Water Pump Penetration in India

   
   Arindam Dutta
   37 - 48 (12 Pages)
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   Abstract

   Access to reliable and affordable irrigation is one of the most important enablers to increase agricultural productivity and income for farmers. An innovative Manual Axis Tracking Solar Pump model and its utility in providing affordable irrigation has been discussed in this paper. The proposed Manual Axis Tracking Solar Pump can increase output on an average 8%-12% more than fixed panel and is much cheaper than automated tracking. This paper deliberates upon the technical features that make the Manual Axis Tracking Solar Pump an advantage over its nearest competitor, the diesel pump. Government of India has already introduced various subsidy-based solar pump schemes and most of them are not popular because of low discharge issue. The low discharge issue can be solved by this proposed optimum tilt-based Manual Tracking Solar Pump, whose sustainable market penetration is suggested through various strategies in the paper, supported by case studies. The proposed entrepreneurship model not only opens a new era of agricultural business but also helps to reduce the GHG emissions.

6. 5 

   Harvest and Post-Harvest Wastages A Farm Level Study of Modern Trade Value Chain in West Bengal

   
   Karabi Bhattacharya Rao
   49 - 64 (16 Pages)
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   Abstract

   More than one-third of food is lost or wasted in post-harvest operations in India. Decreasing the post-harvest losses (PHL) may be a sustainable solution to increasing food availability and improving farmers’livelihoods. As per Associated Chambers of Commerce of India, India loses approximately US$ 14.33 billion annually on account of PHL (ASSOCHAM, 2017). The objective of this study is to analyse the agricultural wastes that are produced in the value chain for a modern trade retailer, identify their causes, and discuss methods for minimising field wastages. A case study approach has been used to depict the agricultural value chain (vegetable segment). A field visit was conducted to a farmland and a privately operated Collection Center in Barasat area of West Bengal. The author discusses solutions towards minimising harvest wastages in the farm by focusing on waste reduction. Post-harvest wastages beyond the farm can be reduced by undertaking measures that focus on waste management. Going forward, adoption of technologies by farmers may lessen inefficiencies such as wastages and improve their income. Further scope for research lies in exploring joint interventions by private players, government agencies, non-profit organisations and entrepreneurs through public-private partnership models or through development of clusters for creating sustainable value chains and achieving greater profitability.

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   Packaging Metamorphosis in the Food Processing Industry in India

   
   Tanusree Das, Kavitha Sundararajan
   65 - 80 (16 Pages)
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   Abstract

   Packaging industry is considered to be one of the world’s largest industrial sectors. In the past few years, food processing has undergone several paradigm changes with respect to production, distribution, storage, processing and retailing. This increasing dynamism in the food industry, while on one hand placing a lot of challenges on the packaging industries, is on the other hand opening up opportunities for entrepreneurs to foray into food processing and also packaging industries and develop appropriate solutions in response to the needs of the market and environment. This study aims at exploring the state of packaging industry and packaging technologies in developing countries, with special emphasis on India, against the backdrop of increasing concern for prevention of food losses and therefore highlighting the need for new innovative ideas for food packaging. The authors posit that customer awareness about safety of processed food has given rise to tremendous possibilities of entrepreneurship opportunities in the area of safe and hygiene packaging. However market preferences, state reputations and cost benefit analysis play major roles in packaging of processed food products.

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   Agricultural Insurance Schemes in West Bengal: Assessment & Entrepreneurship Opportunities

   
   Debisree Banerjee
   81 - 100 (20 Pages)
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   Abstract

   Entrepreneurship essentially involves economic and dynamic activities, risk- assuming and idea generation that help in developing, organising and managing a business opportunity for profits. Entrepreneurship in agriculture is not merely confined to farm activities but also involves activities interlinked and interdependent with core and peripheral agricultural activities. Impediments in the pathway of agricultural entrepreneurship in West Bengal are characterised by fragmented landholding, low financial resources and thereby debt stickiness & dependence on short-term agricultural loan. Though disbursements of short-term credit have increased substantially, the rate of increase is low. For most farmers, insurance for financial or crop crisis is unheard or have hardly any implication. The paper tries to explain the performance of various agricultural insurance schemes in terms of coverage and the benefits being delivered in India and in West Bengal. The paper analyses whether the recipients consider the schemes as an effective risk mitigation tool or merely a habit of credit-dependence in West Bengal through a diffusion model. The paper concludes with the focus on possible entrepreneurial opportunities that may offer more customised agri-insurance policies, where regional disparities could be considered and individual interests be given little more importance.

9. 8 

   Staple Food Pricing in Mandis of Selected States

   
   Manisha Dey
   101 - 118 (18 Pages)
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   Abstract

   Among the 29 Indian states, 14 are linked with 585 regulated mandis with electronic national agricultural market. Across the states, 7.35 million farmers with 53,163 commission agents are registered in these regulated mandis. Every year Government of India announces modified agricultural policies to safeguard the interest of the farming community. Amongst the policies, one of the mechanisms to protect the producers from price fluctuations is Minimum Support Price (MSP). While determining MSP, government takes into account cost of production, cost of living, as well as economic and socio-political factors. For the past two decades, it has been observed that one MSP graph is moving upward but still the farming community seems dissatisfied. The reasons behind MSP variation among states include offering bonus prices additionally with MSP by some states, due to variation in government procurement procedures and policies. As a result, MSP is playing an important role in manoeuvring of prices amongst the various state markets. MSP deviation provides chances for the private sector to take undue advantage and the farmers are adversely affected. The study analyses existence of deviation in mandi prices of staple food between two states from year 2007 to 2018. It will disclose whether centralized price system reduce the cost of government and aid the farmer to get fair valuation.

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    Intellectual Property Rights and Indian Agriculture: Some Policy Issues

    
    Arundhati Ray
    119 - 130 (12 Pages)
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    Abstract

    Trade Related Agreements on Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) widely affects the agricultural sector which is largely unorganised in India. At the same time this sector remains the bread winner for majority of the population of the country. The Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) affect the extensive and intensive margins in agricultural trade. This paper draws attention of enterprises in the field of agricultural biotechnology which has genetic modification (GM) as one of its core activity. GM is of benefit in terms of value additive features but also of great concern for the community in conservation of biodiversity. Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO), being aware of the pitfalls of implementing IPRs in agriculture, constituted an expert panel to study the issues pertaining to the sector. They came up with very clear directives to the FAO on the course of action. This paper aims to focus on this area to identify the micro-level dynamics of IPRs in agriculture and its effects on the rural enterprises in India. The impact of IPRs and its ramifications, the issues of agricultural productivity and its future trajectory, are to be understood from the perspective of an entrepreneur’s policy decisions. This will lead to identification of policies that would help in harnessing IPRs for the growth of Indian agriculture.

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    Corporate Governance in Agricultural and Allied Companies in India

    
    Amitava Roy, Ananda Mohan Pal
    131 - 144 (14 Pages)
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    Abstract

    The agriculture and allied sector provide livelihood for 58% of India’s population. A large population and rising disposable incomes are key growth drivers. Growing external demand has increased its contribution to exports. The demand for processed food has also led to increasing requirements for agricultural inputs, hybrid seeds, machinery and fertilizers. Investment opportunities in storage infrastructure and agrochemicals also present immense opportunities. Organised retail has made India attractive for multinationals. The industry has a combination of multiple organisational forms, like associations, co-operatives, government (departmental) undertakings, foreign entities, trusts and companies, private and public. Unlisted companies encompass a vast range (private limited companies, family business, group-owned firms, and joint ventures are major actors.) The form and complexity of business ownership highlights Corporate Governance (CG) debate. Given this background, our objective is to understand the CG characteristics of unlisted agricultural and allied companies operating in India, the driving forces for improving CG practices, and the need for a policy framework in supporting good CG. We propose to examine the extent of control in the various types of entities and explore the mechanisms that contribute to the development of an efficient CG framework. Using data from the Prowess database, on 2,879 firms, from 2012-2013 to 2016-17, we analysed how CG problems are caused and how it can be alleviated. The results provide stakeholders and agri entrepreneurs with an overview of the policy and managerial issues that arise in the debate on CG of companies in this key sector. Finally, we conclude how the unlisted companies are likely to stimulate growth and development if CG mechanisms are enhanced.

12. 11 

    Entrepreneurial Opportunity in Organic Farming

    
    Ayesha Afreen
    145 - 158 (14 Pages)
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    Abstract

    This paper is rooted in the issue of the failure of Green Revolution which was intended to achieve self-sufficiency in the agriculturally dominant country of India, following its independence. However five decades later, the current focus of the country is on engaging in a sustainable and economically feasible agricultural practice using principles of agro ecology. This paper tries to explore the potential of application of organic farming in a vast country like India. The author posits that organic farming can help India reverse the damage caused by Green Revolution by allowing for natural methods of agriculture rather than a severely mechanical form. This paper focuses on the modern concept of organic farming combining tradition, science and innovation, and the debatable issues surrounding organic farming particularly dealing with its economic feasibility and sustainability prospects. It is acknowledged that for the successful implementation of organic farming there has to be appropriate matching of the supply and demands the organic products. However, there is a need to address the challenge of adoption of organic farming in a diverse country like India because of its huge variance in education, income, living standards and health of the existing and potential consumers. The prospect of organic farming is discussed from the perspective of consumer awareness and state initiatives, in this paper.

13. 12 

    Initiatives of Government of India in Transforming Women Farmers to Women Entrepreneurs: A Case Study

    
    Sneha Km Pandey, Pritha Chanda, Anisha Pandey
    159 - 168 (10 Pages)
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    Abstract

    Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economic development and has experienced immense growth in the past few decades. Agriculture not only involves the participation of male workers but also experiences active participation of all family members, as well. Women, as part of the family, take up agricultural activities as an extension to their household chores. The Government and voluntary agencies have also recognised the need for women in the farming community to become self-reliant and active participants in the agricultural sector. Increasing awareness and educating themselves with the passage of time, farmers have made themselves aware of new techniques of farming and growing and established themselves as agricultural entrepreneurs in the long run. Many initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs and creating a supportive ecosystem for women to become agricultural entrepreneurs have been initiated by the state. The case of Anita Devi popularly known as the Mushroom Lady of Bihar has been taken up in this paper to substantiate with evidence how government initiatives have helped her gain success and grow as an agricultural entrepreneur. This study aims at disseminating how such initiatives help in creating an ecosystem that motivates agricultural entrepreneurs in general and women in particular.

14. 13 

    Infrastructure Investment and Rural Entrepreneurship in India: An Empirical Study

    
    Biswajit Paul, Ashish Kumar Sana
    169 - 188 (20 Pages)
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    Abstract

    Out of 1.37 billion populationof India 67 % lives in rural areas whose major source of income is agriculture and allied activities (World Population Review, 2019). In simple words, the livelihood of this vast majority is closely related to rural enterprises. Fostering rural entrepreneurship may be affected by several issues, infrastructure being one of them. This paper attempts to examine the relationship between infrastructure investment by the state and rural entrepreneurship in India, with ‘Gross Fixed Capital Formation’ and ‘Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing, Value Added’ considered as proxy variables. Time series econometrics is compiled with the data collected from World Bank Database for the period of 1961-2017. The study has established evidence in support of greater investment in infrastructure enhancing rural entrepreneurial opportunities in India.

15. 14 

    Entrepreneurship in Food Processing Industry in India

    
    Alokananda Bhattacharya
    189 - 198 (10 Pages)
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    Abstract

    India is the second largest food producing country in the world. Food processing is one of the key industries in the country and a sector that has direct linkage between agriculture and industry. Being the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables along with its strategic geographic location and proximity to food importing nations, India is in an advantageous position in terms of exporting processed food. As per estimates, Indian food processing sector stood at USD258 billion in the financial year 2015. The growth and development of this industry have direct impact on the Indian economy. The aim of the present study is to discuss about the growth of the food processing industry, analyse its strengths and weaknesses and generate possibilities of entrepreneurial development towards the expansion of the sector. This study has been a secondary data analysis based on data collected from journals, magazines, web searches and reports from various government and private agencies.

    The study has identified the main drivers aiding to the growth of the sector. It includes strong domestic demand, rising export opportunities; supply side advantages for exporters due to rising global demand and strong policy support from the Government. On the other hand, fragmented market, infrastructure support, namely cold chain, innovation and skill development are the major hurdles that have to be overcome. This article makes an attempt to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and few areas where new business could be initiated. The entrepreneurial opportunities highlighted in this paper are based on Drucker’s opportunity construct that entrepreneurs have an eye more for possibilities created by change than the problems.

16. 15 

    Role of Marketing Intelligence in Agriculture as a Business

    
    Tuhin Narayan Roy
    199 - 210 (12 Pages)
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    Abstract

    This paper studies the role and status of Indian Agricultural Market Intelligence System (IAMIS) in improving the economic returns of agri-sector in India. Marketing intelligence makes agricultural marketers, including agri-entrepreneurs, aware and updated and reduces risk in decision making. India produced 275.112 million tonnes of food grains in 2016-17 and the projected requirement is 311million tonnes in 2030. Income of farmers has increased at a CAGR of 10.61% and number of farmers has declined at a CAGR of -0.25% from 1993-94 to 2014-15. Acreage remains stagnant. Given this background, to exploit full potential of agricultural production, market intelligence has a great role. The DES and Department of Food with their 435 market information systems (MIS) units transmit daily information through public media. The essential prerequisite of ensuring farmers’income is that they need credible information about “likely price situation”. Agriculture Marketing Intelligence System (AMIS, 2011) has emerged with the aim to provide services in agriculture and allied sectors. ICAR (1991) took initiatives under World Bank to assist National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) and Export Market Intelligence Cell (EMIC) was set up in Tamil Nadu with ten State Agricultural Universities. This paper uses globally available price forecasting models (ARIMA, GARCH, etc.)on 20 crops to provide an idea of the existing status and policies in agricultural market intelligence.

17. 16 

    A Study on Farmers’ Awareness of Crop Insurance in West Bengal Policy Prescriptions and Entrepreneurial Pathways

    
    Rupam Mukherjee, Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
    211 - 234 (24 Pages)
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    Abstract

    Agricultural development in India provides support to a large section of farmers who operate on small holdings and have very limited risk bearing capacity. Farmers are often exposed to natural vagaries, which adversely affect their agricultural production and farm income. Moreover, there is huge financial exclusion in rural sector of the nation. If there is a crop failure, farmers are crushed under the burden of debt. Farmers seek to avoid risk in terms of various managerial and institutional mechanisms. But it is widely believed that ‘Crop Insurance’ is the only institutional mechanism available against production risk in farming. Unfortunately, penetration of crop insurance schemes in India has been low in terms of the area of land insured and the number of farmers covered. There are the problems of low risk awareness and lack of insurance culture among the farmers. In this backdrop, the paper documents the findings of a survey of 140 farmers, which was taken up in some selected villages of North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The study shows that likelihood of this awareness increases with increase in landholding size, education level, borrowing history and social participation of the farmers, whereas it decreases with the non-farm income and livestock of the farmers. The author proposes measures to promote and spread awareness of crop insurance among the farmers as a risk mitigation tool in farming, which will increase farm production and stabilize the fluctuation in farm income. The study provides valuable policy measures to the government in better designing of their crop insurance products and will also help the private agro-insurance business, which is recently taking off in the country.

18. 17 

    Market Performance and Organic Farming: A Matrix of Caselets

    
    Joydip Dasgupta
    235 - 251 (17 Pages)
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    Abstract

    Entrepreneurs take responsibility of their ‘business’ tad differently than their counterpart, the traditional businessman. A businessman walks on the pre-defined route whereas the entrepreneur creates his own alley-way, which if successful, becomes the rulebook for that trade. Lately, ecological issues have taken centre-stage as climatic changes have endangered the sustainable growth of the business. A new breed of entrepreneurs, alias ecopreneurs, functions in this ‘new’ space and endeavour to frame an innovative business landscape. Ecopreneurs possess singular focus on the safe-keep of the ecology. But in order to sustain the efforts of businesses in ecology, it is imperative that they remain economically viable too. Thus, ecopreneurial process is not only about fulfilling the business’ responsibility towards ecology, but also about the marketability of the product or service. In order to evaluate the ecopreneurial process, organic farming is considered as a case. In this paper, selected organic farms are analysed in an environment - market continuum, developed particularly for this study which is in tandem with the works of Schaltegger (2002) and Blake and Mouton (1964).The study reveals inadequacy of market performance of the individual and farm level ecopreneurs in the state of West Bengal, in spite of their strong inclination towards care for the environment.