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Contract farming is pivotal and contributes almost 17-18% of India’s economy. It refers to an arrangement between farmers and agribusiness firms where the latter agrees to buy agricultural produce from the former at a predetermined price. In India, contract farming has been gaining popularity as an effective way to bridge the gap between farmers and markets, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.

• One of the primary benefits of contract farming is the assurance of a market for the farmer’s produce. This reduces the risk of price fluctuations and market uncertainties, which are significant challenges small farmers face.
• Moreover, contract farming promotes modern technology, improved seeds, and better farming practices, which enhance productivity and reduce production costs. This, in turn, leads to higher profits for farmers.
• Another advantage of contract farming is that it enables farmers to access credit & inputs which they may not be able to afford otherwise. Agribusiness firms often provide farmers with inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and credit in exchange for their commitment to supply produce to the firm. This enables farmers to improve their yields and enhances their bargaining power with input suppliers.

However, there are also some challenges associated with contract farming in India.

• One of the key challenges is ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Agribusiness firms may sometimes offer low prices to farmers, especially if there is a glut in the market. This can result in farmers being forced to sell their produce at below-market prices, adversely affecting their incomes.
• Another challenge is the lack of legal and institutional frameworks for contract farming. There is a need for clear and enforceable contracts, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes between farmers and agribusiness firms. The government must implement supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure that contract farming is fair and transparent for all parties involved.

In conclusion, contract farming has great potential to benefit small and marginal farmers in India. It can help farmers access markets, improve their yields, and enhance their bargaining power. However, there is a need for supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure that contract farming is fair and transparent and that farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
agribazaar is a digital space that helps farmers with contract farming by providing them with market linkages, access to finance, crop advisory services, contract management, and training & capacity-building programs. By using the platform, farmers can improve their productivity, income, and livelihoods while also contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in India.