Power Asymmetry and Unequal Exchange in the Agricultural Value Systems: Case Study of Paddy

Abstract

This article discusses the heterogeneity and power asymmetry within Agricultural Value Systems (AVS). The power asymmetry arises due to the peculiar nature of cultivation and noncultivation sections of the AVS and also because of different factor endowments within the farming community. The power asymmetry in AVS siphons off surplus from cultivation to noncultivation segments of the AVS. The theoretical discussion in this article is followed by an example of paddy value systems in India. The article suggests that merely connecting farmers with the markets will not be sufficient because of the systemic existence of power asymmetry.