The Role of Regulated Markets in Agricultural Development: A Case Study from Murshidabad District, India

This book explores the critical role of regulated markets in the development of agriculture, focusing on Murshidabad District, India. Drawing from rigorous research and primary data, it examines the interplay between market regulation and agricultural productivity, as well as their broader implications for economic development in rural India. By analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns of agricultural marketing and their impact on farmers’ livelihoods, the work provides a detailed understanding of how effective market systems contribute to sustainable agricultural growth.

The purpose of this book is to present a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of regulated markets and their role in facilitating agricultural development. By identifying gaps and opportunities, it aims to serve as a vital resource for policymakers, academicians, and agricultural stakeholders in devising farmer-oriented market policies. Through this study, the book strives to address the challenges faced by producer-sellers in marketing their agricultural commodities, highlight the structural and functional efficiencies of regulated markets, and advocate for evidence-based policy recommendations to improve market systems and enhance farmers’ income.

Mostafijur Rahaman is an ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Geography at Aligarh Muslim University, specializing in agricultural marketing, regional planning, and GIS applications. He has been awarded several prestigious fellowships, including the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, and co-authored a book on dairy farming and sustainable rural development. Dr. Rahaman has published widely on livestock farming, regulated markets, and environmental studies, contributing to the fields of environmental geography, human geography, and political geography.

Nizamuddin Khan is a distinguished Professor of Geography at Aligarh Muslim University with over 35 years of teaching and research experience. He specializes in agricultural geography, rural marketing, political geography, and environmental studies, focusing on grassroots socio-economic and sustainability issues. He has supervised 21 Ph.D. and 5 M.Phil. scholars, published more than 125 research papers, and authored or edited 16 books. Prof. Khan has received numerous national and international awards, including the Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Distinguished Professor Award (2023), Proud Indian Eminent Professor Award (2023), Bhoogol Shastra Bhushan Award (2019), Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), and Outstanding Scientist Award (2021). He has presented globally, winning Best Paper Awards in Malaysia, Turkey, and the USA, and has represented India in academic collaborations across 22 countries.