Market Access and Supply Chain Barriers in Crop Diversification in Haryana: A Current Economic Study

Abstract

This paper examines how market access and supply chain constraints shape farmers’ decisions to diversify crop production in Haryana beyond the dominant wheat–rice system. Crop diversification into pulses, oilseeds, maize, vegetables, fruits, and other high-value crops offers potential gains in farm income, groundwater conservation, and nutritional outcomes. However, the transition remains constrained by inadequate market infrastructure, limited cold storage and transport facilities, weak quality control systems, and the absence of reliable buyers for non- cereal crops. The study situates these challenges within the economic logic of agricultural decision-making and traces the historical evolution of Haryana’s agricultural policy regime that has reinforced cereal dominance. It identifies key market and supply chain barriers inhibiting diversification and reviews existing government interventions aimed at improving market linkages. Drawing on selected international experiences, the paper highlights policy-relevant lessons for overcoming structural bottlenecks. The study concludes with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen market access and supply chains in ways that make crop diversification economically viable and environmentally sustainable in Haryana.