e-choupal: hope or hype
American Journal of Economics and Business Administration 2 (2): 179-184, 2010
ISSN 1945-5488
© 2010 Science Publications
e-Choupal: Hope or Hype?
Neeraj Dangi and Harjit Singh
Department of Management, Institute of Management Education,
Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), India
Abstract: Problem statement: This case looked at the cost benefit factor of e-Choupal model in rural
India from socio-economic perspective since it is being projected as one of the models of rural empowerment. Questions were raised whether its growth both horizontally and vertically might be detrimental to sustainability of traditional agrarian economy. It also examined the role of ICT and government policies in this context. Approach: The study examined the above mentioned issues from the context of rural India. Empirical literature was referred to build a link between various rural issues and eChoupal. Results: e-Choupal model may not be leading towards a holistic development since the individual income increase of participating members may be at the expense of non-participating members of the rural commune. Conclusion: The results indicated that the present modus operandi of e-Choupal may perhaps lead to further rural consolidation through corporatization rather than rural empowerment.
Key words: Rural India, agrarian economy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), socio-economic development, e-Choupal, supply chain
INTRODUCTION
Traditional Indian agriculture: Role in rural sustenance and challenges it faces: The spectacular story of Indian agriculture is known throughout the world for its multi-functional success in generating employment, livelihood, food, nutritional and ecological security besides its cultural significance in our customs and traditions.
With arable land area of about 168 million ha,
India ranks second only to the US in size of agriculture.
India has 52% of cultivable land with varied climates and soils affording scope for much diversity
ISSN 1945-5488
© 2010 Science Publications
e-Choupal: Hope or Hype?
Neeraj Dangi and Harjit Singh
Department of Management, Institute of Management Education,
Sahibabad (Ghaziabad), India
Abstract: Problem statement: This case looked at the cost benefit factor of e-Choupal model in rural
India from socio-economic perspective since it is being projected as one of the models of rural empowerment. Questions were raised whether its growth both horizontally and vertically might be detrimental to sustainability of traditional agrarian economy. It also examined the role of ICT and government policies in this context. Approach: The study examined the above mentioned issues from the context of rural India. Empirical literature was referred to build a link between various rural issues and eChoupal. Results: e-Choupal model may not be leading towards a holistic development since the individual income increase of participating members may be at the expense of non-participating members of the rural commune. Conclusion: The results indicated that the present modus operandi of e-Choupal may perhaps lead to further rural consolidation through corporatization rather than rural empowerment.
Key words: Rural India, agrarian economy, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), socio-economic development, e-Choupal, supply chain
INTRODUCTION
Traditional Indian agriculture: Role in rural sustenance and challenges it faces: The spectacular story of Indian agriculture is known throughout the world for its multi-functional success in generating employment, livelihood, food, nutritional and ecological security besides its cultural significance in our customs and traditions.
With arable land area of about 168 million ha,
India ranks second only to the US in size of agriculture.
India has 52% of cultivable land with varied climates and soils affording scope for much diversity
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