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Abstract
Using original data collected about growers, traders, processors, markets, and village communities, we
compare the situation in four states – Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Orissa. We examine
the way that information about crop attributes is conveyed (or not) along the value chain. We also
document the infrastructure available at the level of the market. We find that little information circulates
about unobservable crop characteristics. Growers receive a price premium when they dry, grade, and pack
their produce, but we find no evidence that information about crop health and safety or agricultural
practices circulates through the value chain or that growers are encouraged to follow specific agricultural
practices for quality purposes. Market infrastructure is deficient regarding sanitation, with few public
toilets, inadequate drainage, and no coordinated pest control.