This policy brief presents the results of a TCI-supported study examining the effect of direct supermarket sales on the nutrition outcomes of farm households in India. Researchers surveyed more than 500 vegetable-growing households in India’s Delhi National Capital region. Heads of household and their spouses were asked to recall 30 days of food consumption, in addition to answering questions related to other variables, such as education and spending levels. They found that households that sell directly to supermarkets consumed 44% more vitamin A and 65% more zinc than those that sell through traditional markets. They also found that such households get more protein, iron and zinc from non-cereal sources, meaning they eat more diverse diets.

Based on these results, TCI recommends that policymakers:

• Strengthen supermarket-led value chains by facilitating private
  investments.
• Support the inclusive participation of smallholder farmers in
  supermarket value chains.

Download the policy brief (PDF)