Role of market towns in the Delhi Metropolitan Region : a case study of Palwal Mandi, Haryana, India

Author: Smita Mishra

AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-83-07

Year: 1983

Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)

Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1990

Examination Committee: Jayant Kumar Routray (Chairperson); Harvey Demaine (Co-Chairperson); Karl E. Weber (Examination Committee Members)

Abstract: This study seeks to examine the potential role of a market town Palwa1 (Ilaryana) placed in t he green revolution area of India, in terms of servicing the hinterland in agricultural marketing and agro-services. A primary survey of farmers who commute to the t own for agricultural marketing and agro -services was carried out. Simultaneously, traders and commission agents from the area were also interviewed. In addition, secondary data relating to the agro- potential of the area has also been used. Palwal has assumed importance recently due to its inclusion in the National Capital Regi on Plan, 2001 as a priority town for planning and development. However, it is felt that the NCR Pl an proposes intervention in a manner which is not in conformity with the current and expected functions of the town. Palwal has a long history of being a ‘mandi’ town and this predominant function still continues. The findings indicate that the setting up of the regulated market in Palwal has strengthened its role as a market town. Due to its locational and other potential advantages the market attracts farmers from beyond t he immediate hinterland effecting a large catchment area . The commission agents operating in the regulated market have proved t o be vitally important in expanding the catchment of the market . The study provided an analysis of the functioning of the market and agro-service provision in Palwal and identified the hierarchy of the marketing system prevalent in the area . It was found that t he town is serving the big farmers directly and there is a certain threshold size of l and holding below which farmers do not visit the town for marketing of their agricultural produce . The small and marginal farmers, it was found, are served by the seasonal periodic markets which operate in the area. Palwal offers a good case to study a market town with the potential of serving a wide catchment area which can , with time , play a significant role in the context of the wider region. The location, t

Scholarship Donor(s): The Royal Netherlands Government

Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science

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