Agrifood systems of India: A state-level analysis using a social accounting matrix

This study compares per capita incomes and economic structures across Indian states—with a specific focus on agrifood systems (AFSs)—using a newly developed 2017/18 state-level Social Accounting Matrix (SAM), the first of its kind for India. We estimate gross value added (GVA) within and across state's agrifood value chains (AVCs) to assess the size and structure of their AFSs and analyze employment patterns from labor force surveys. Our results reveal significant disparities: the poorest 50% of states have an average per capita income of US $1019, 2.5 times lower than the top half. Nationally, AFSs contributes 31% of GVA, with 59% from primary agriculture and the rest from off-farm activities like agro-processing. The share of off-farm AFS activities increases with state income, reflecting structural transformation. Across all states, women are disproportionately employed in agriculture, while youth participation declines as state income rises. These findings are valuable for policy design.