ITC's e-Choupal initiative provides Indian farmers access to information through internet kiosks located in rural villages. This enables farmers to make informed decisions, access market prices, and sell directly to ITC, reducing costs for both farmers and ITC. Some challenges include lack of infrastructure and resistance from traditional middlemen. The e-Choupal model cuts transaction costs for farmers and ITC by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries in the supply chain.

8. Production Channel Prior to e-Choupal Farmer Regulated Markets (15-75%) Trader Commission Agent Wholesaler (20-80%) Village Trader Ghani Producer Coop (3-5%) Cooperative Mill

9. The e-Choupal Business Model Farmer Regulated Markets (Fair Market Price) Private Miller Commission Agent (hired by ITC) Village Trader Ghani Producer Coop (Negotiated Price) Cooperative Mill E-Choupa l ITC ITC Commission

10. Transaction Costs in Mandi Chain Soybeans Example Farmer Incurs Trolley Freight to Mandi = 120 Labour = 50 Kacchha Adat = 150 Handling Loss = 50 Rs per MT 370 Processor Incurs Commission to Agent = 100 Cost of Gunny Bags (net) = 75 Freight to Factory = 120 Handling at Mandi = 40 335 Total Chain 705

11. Transaction Costs in Choupal Chain Soybeans Example Farmer Incurs Trolley Freight to ITC Hub = 120 Labour = 50 Kacchha Adat = 150 Handling Loss = 50 Rs per MT 370 Processor Incurs Commission to Sanchalak = 100 Cost of Gunny Bags (net) = 75 Freight to Factory = 120 Storage & Handling at Hub = 40 335 Total Chain 705 120 50 Cash Disbursement Costs = 50 215 335

14. Thank you