Targeting Technology to Increase Smallholder Profits and Conserve Resources: Experimental Provision of Laser Land-Leveling Services to Indian Farmers

B-Tier
Journal: Economic Development & Cultural Change
Year: 2018
Volume: 66
Issue: 2
Pages: 265 - 306

Score contribution per author:

0.402 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

With heterogeneous demand and consumption externalities, market segmentation and targeting can improve social welfare. We use a selective trial for laser land leveling (LLL) in India to understand such targeting strategies. We elicit farmer demand for and benefits from LLL services. LLL reduces groundwater extraction by 24%, with comparable fuel savings from reduced pumping. To leverage positive externalities, we combine farmer demand, LLL pumping effects, and service provider costs to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and other impacts of potential targeting strategies. A first-hour LLL discount—a second-degree price discrimination strategy—emerges as the most cost-effective targeting strategy for reducing groundwater extraction.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:ecdecc:doi:10.1086/695284
Journal Field
Development
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25