Anshul Ponugoti
Class of 2026Mumbai, Maharashtra
About
Hello! My name is Anshul Ponugoti and I am currently residing in Mumbai, India. I would love to partner up with Polygence and begin my research journey with a suitable mentor and I hope to gain a better understanding of the applications of Economics to real-world issues.Projects
- "Irrigation Subsidies in India: Balancing Farmer Welfare and Environmental Sustainability" with mentor Gladys (Aug. 24, 2025)
Project Portfolio
Irrigation Subsidies in India: Balancing Farmer Welfare and Environmental Sustainability
Started Jan. 15, 2025
Abstract or project description
This research paper explores the impact of irrigation subsidies on water use efficiency, groundwater depletion, and farmer welfare in Indian agriculture. By analyzing regional variations in subsidy structures across Punjab, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, the study highlights how such policies affect both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. While subsidies have lowered input costs, supported food security, and enabled technological adoption, they have also encouraged inefficient water use and contributed to critical aquifer depletion. Importantly, the benefits of these subsidies have been unevenly distributed: larger and wealthier landholders capture a disproportionate share of support, while marginal and small-scale farmers often struggle to access or benefit from the schemes. This has exacerbated rural wealth inequality even as the overall productivity of the respective states has risen.