French Scientist Conducts Research on Himachal’s Farm Marketing System  

Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, Sep 16, 2025: Professor Annick Vignes, Economist and Director of Research at LISIS, INRAE, and Professor at École des Ponts ParisTech (University Paris-Est), recently concluded a two-month academic visit to Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni.

Her visit formed part of the international ACROPICS project, a collaborative initiative involving 15 institutions from 13 countries, focused on agroecology, agricultural markets, and the dynamics of natural farming produce pricing.

During her stay, Prof. Vignes studied the functioning of Himachal Pradesh’s mandi system by visiting mandis in Chaila, Solan, and Parwanoo. She interacted with commission agents, traders, and farmers—particularly apple growers—to understand price discovery mechanisms and the challenges faced by producers in securing fair returns.

Collaborating with the University’s Department of Social Sciences, she examined the pricing of natural farming produce, comparing it with conventional systems. Her discussions emphasized consumer perceptions, the importance of certification and labelling, and the potential to enhance market value for natural produce. She also delivered expert lectures and interactive sessions for students of Agricultural Economics, Statistics, and Business Management, sharing insights on research methods, data analysis, and agricultural market dynamics. These engagements gave students valuable exposure to global perspectives and practical approaches in agricultural economics.

Beyond academic exchanges, Prof. Vignes visited natural farming practitioners in Pachhad (Sirmaur) and Solan, as well as research and extension centers including KVK Solan (Kandaghat), KVK Rohru, and the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station, Mashobra along with visiting the university natural farming farms and dedicated outlet for selling the produce. She observed apple orchards and diversified farming systems in Shimla and Rohru where growers are experimenting with chemical-free practices in high-value horticulture. These field visits provided first-hand insights into ecological farming approaches, crop diversification, and the challenges of scaling and marketing natural produce.

She also engaged with grassroots organizations selected under ACROPICS—such as Sustainable Agricultural System Chaupal and Gram Disha Trust—that work with farmer producer groups and natural farming communities. These interactions showcased how community-led initiatives are creating fairer markets and improving farmers’ bargaining power.

Prof. Vignes’ visit has contributed to a deeper understanding of Himachal’s mandi system and natural farming landscape, strengthened academic collaboration between international and local institutions, and introduced new global methodologies for research and policy analysis. Her work has also opened new avenues in studying price transmission, consumer behaviour, sustainable agriculture incentives, and farmer welfare.

Her two-month engagement is expected to make a lasting contribution to the ACROPICS project’s mission of fostering sustainable, fair, and inclusive agricultural markets, while enriching student learning, enhancing farmer engagement, and advancing international academic exchange.