Shanlax International Journal of Economics

Industrial Pollution and Fish Kill Impacts on Pizhala’s Fishing Livelihoods

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pizhala, in Kerala’s ecologically sensitive backwaters, faces severe socio-economic and environmental impacts due to recurrent fish kills caused by industrial pollution. This study examines the effects on fishing communities whose livelihoods rely on capture fisheries and aquaculture. This study combines primary data from field surveys with supporting secondary sources. The analysis reveals significant income losses, rising debt, and declining fish demand, with over half of the respondents losing more than ₹20,000 per incident. Adaptive strategies include alternative livelihoods, collective action, and environmental support. However, there are financial and structural constraints that limit their resilience. These findings highlight the urgent need for stringent pollution control, sustainable fishery management, and targeted support to safeguard livelihoods and restore ecological sustainability. Future research should focus on the long-term ecological monitoring of water quality and fish populations in Pizhala. This will help us better understand the frequency and causes of fish-kill events. There is also a need for economic valuation of environmental damage and livelihood losses faced by fishing households.

Socio-Economic Viability and Livelihood Impact of Ericulture among Rearers in Baksa District, Assam

Emerson Moshahary, Polakshi Bhattacharyya Baruah — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ericulture is deeply in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), integrating traditional practices with sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal rural communities, especially women, over generations since time immemorial. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of eri silk rearers, evaluate the economic viability and profitability of eri-culture, and identify factors influencing engagement in this activity in Assam’s Baksa district. Primary data were collected using a multistage sampling method to survey 90 respondents across three subdivisions, six circles, and 12 villages. The data were analysed using the basic percentage method through cross-tabulation and cost-benefit ratio to assess profitability. The findings reveal that ericulture is female-dominated (97%), with the majority of rearers being middle-aged (65.56%) homemakers (86.67%). Ericulture rearing is profitable because of the low investment but high cost-benefit ratio, generating higher returns of 4.11. However, rearers currently face problems such as a lack of proper market linkages, inadequate technological transformations, and a scarcity of host plants for silkworms. Future research should focus on comparative studies across other districts of BTR to understand the full potential of ericulture. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the eri silk supply chain and an investigation of whether socio-cultural, educational, or economic barriers are preventing the adoption of ericulture technologies are needed.

Transforming Indian Gold and Silver Market in World Geopolitical Tension: An Analytical Study

Macchindra Damaji Vedapathak — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Over the past half-decade, gold and silver prices have experienced a super bull run. Geopolitical tensions, trade wars, the Middle East crisis, the continuously increasing demand for gold from central banks worldwide, and the increasing demand for silver from the industrial sector are the reasons for increasing gold and silver prices. In addition, during the past decade, many investors have diversified their investments in physical gold and silver to Exchange Traded Funds-ETFs. All these factors have led to unprecedented price levels. The present study analyzes the rising trends of gold and silver prices using secondary data collected from reliable financial sources such as the RBI, Economic Survey of India, World Gold Council, and Silver Institute from 2000 to February 4, 2026. Statistical analysis was conducted using Excel and SPSS, applying Mean, Standard Deviation, CAGR, percentage of change, and Spearman’s rho correlation methods. The results indicate a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between the exchange rate, gold, and silver prices from 2000 to February 4, 2026. The Pearson correlation coefficient between gold and silver is 0.954 at significance (p-value)0.000 level, which indicates a very strong positive correlation between gold and silver prices. In addition, from 2020 to February 4, 2026, the CAGR of gold prices has grown 26.32 percent and silver prices has grown 15.38 percent. During the period, the exchange rate between the U.S. The Dollar and Indian Rupee have reached 74.22 rupees to 90.44 rupees per Dollar. As well as the study explains that some positive and adverse impact on gold and silver market, industry, consumers and investors in India.The study concludes that during the study period gold and silver prices are increased but silver prices are more fluctuate compare to gold prices. However, both precious metals remain important investment assets during periods of economic uncertainty and inflation.

Scale Economies and Input Contributions: Evidence from Log-Linear and Translog Production Functions

Nandini Jagannarayan, R. Uma, R. Anbuselvi, Mala Goplani — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes the determinants of gross output (GO) using the Cobb–Douglas and Translog production functions for the years 2005 to 2025. The relationship between labor (L) and capital (K) inputs and production performance is examined using a time-series econometric approach. Secondary data were collected from various reports of the MoSPI, RBI, and NITI Aayog. The Cobb–Douglas production function was used to estimate output elasticities and returns to scale, and the Translog production function was used to account for non-linearities and substitution effects between inputs. The findings reveal that capital has a greater contribution to gross output than labor ,which reflects the capital intensity of the industry. The estimated returns to scale suggest increasing returns to scale in the production. The marginal productivity of the production factors exhibited a decreasing trend in the Translog model, while there were positive interaction effects between labor and capital, reinforcing complementarities between production factors. Even though there were temporary disruptions during the COVID-19 period, there are indications of increased productivity over time from the trends in technical and allocative efficiency. Overall, the study indicates that technological progress, resource allocation efficiency, and capital accumulation are important factors for improving production efficiency and productivity growth. Comparative specification (Cobb-Douglas vs. Translog) provides a wider picture of the structure of production and economies of scale in the industry. Panel data by region or industry could also be incorporated in future studies to provide a better understanding of the spatial variation in production behaviors. Other factors, such as technology adoption, infrastructure, and human capital, can further reinforce the analysis. Further insights may be gained through advanced econometric methods, such as structural equation modelling, ARDL models, and stochastic frontier analysis, as well as an analysis of long-run productivity dynamics and structural changes after the pandemic.

A Comparative Analysis of India’s Role in the Global Organic Agricultural Sector

V. Kaleeswari, N. Thilagavathi — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Organic agriculture has become an increasingly important component of sustainable food systems worldwide, supported by rising environmental concerns, health awareness and changing consumer preferences (Willer & Lernoud, 2023; FAO, 2021). In this context, India has attracted attention in the global organic sector, particularly because of its large number of certified producers and the steady expansion of land under organic cultivation (APEDA, 2023; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023). This study examines India’s role in global organic agriculture using a comparative framework. The analysis is based on secondary data sources, including government reports, international databases and published research studies (FiBL, 2023; OECD, 2020). Key indicators such as certified organic area, production trends, export performance, domestic market growth, and institutional support mechanisms were used to compare India with leading organic economies in Europe, North America, and Asia. The findings indicate that India holds a strong position in terms of producer participation and certified areas. However, its share in high-value global organic markets remains relatively limited (ITC 2021; Willer and Lernoud 2023). The analysis identifies several structural constraints affecting competitiveness, including fragmented landholdings, high certification costs, inefficient supply chains, and limited processing and value- added infrastructure (Gupta, 2017; Singh, 2021). Simultaneously, policy initiatives and growing domestic awareness have contributed positively to sectoral growth (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023). The study suggests that strengthening value chains, improving market access, enhancing certification support, and promoting product diversification could help improve India’s global standing (Kledal, 2012; FAO, 2021). Future research should focus on farm-level productivity analysis, impact assessment of specific policy interventions, and the role of digital platforms in improving market linkages for organic producers.

Effects of Cash Transfers with Reference to India

P.U. Nishanthi — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This review evaluates the effectiveness of cash transfers in India by analysing studies conducted between 2009 and 2025. Using PRISMA guidelines, 43 studies were reviewed, of which 18 focused on understanding the concept of cash transfers, while 25 examined cash transfers in the Indian context. The findings revealed that cash transfers play a significant role in reducing poverty, improving educational outcomes, and enhancing women’s social and economic well-being. Evidence from various states suggests that cash transfers positively influence household expenditure patterns, the gendered division of labor, women’s empowerment, and savings behavior. However, cash transfer programs also challenge the fiscal health of states. In India, both conditional and unconditional cash transfers exist, although the former are more prevalent than conditional ones. The policy recommendations emphasize that cash transfer programmes should be designed in accordance with the fiscal capacity of states and aligned with intended developmental outcomes. Future research should examine the long-term effects of cash transfer programs, compare the effectiveness of conditional and unconditional transfers, and assess their impact on state budgets and other public expenditures.