The changing structure of agricultural marketing in India: A state-level analysis of e-NAM

The government of India launched e-NAM to remove inefficiency and enhance transparency in the agricultural marketing system and ensure fair prices to farmers for their produce. This paper examines the (i) extent of APMC markets covered by e-NAM across the states, and stakeholders’ participation in e-NAM; (b) pattern of trade, its concentration, and determinants; (c) benefits of e-NAM to farmers; and (d) constraints in e-NAM trading. The evidence shows no significant price advantage for most commodities across the states on the implementation of e-NAM. This indicates the need for strengthening quality assaying and accelerating the issuance of unified licenses to promote inter-market trading and achieve better price discovery.