Published Papers
Evaluating the use of semi-structured crowdsourced data to quantify inequitable access to urban biodiversity: A case study with eBird with Grade, A. M., Chan, N. W., Perkins, D. J., & Warren, P. S. (2022). Plos one, 17(11), e0277223. What is it about? Why this is important?
Solution of Non-Linear Differential Equations by Using Differential Transform Method with Moon, S. D., Bhosale, A. B., & Lonare, G. G. (2014). International Journal of Mathematics and Statistics Invention, 2(3), 78-82.
Working Papers
Weather Shocks, Mitigation Strategies, and the Farmer Suicide Crisis in India (JMP)
300,000 Indian farmers have taken their lives in the past two decades, creating a national crisis. This marginalized population is particularly vulnerable to weather-induced crop failures. I estimate how weather shocks affect suicide rates, and whether government assistance programs can mitigate these effects, among the more than 120,000,000 people in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Using novel village-level data, I find that hot temperatures have a greater effect on farmer suicides than previously believed. I further find that government assistance can greatly reduce the magnitude of these effects. These findings emphasize the role of government programs to solve this crisis.
USDA Subsidies and Tractor Demand: Impacts on Farm Investments with Jonathan McFadden (USDA-Economic Research Service)
USDA agricultural subsidies help stabilize farmers' and ranchers' income by mitigating weather, pest, cost, and price risks, while promoting climate-friendly practices to reduce emissions from the agricultural sector, which accounts for 11% of US greenhouse gas emissions. Applying panel data methods to the county-level information on tractor usage, dealer density, prices, and USDA payments, our data-driven analysis shows that subsidies are positively associated with tractor demand, with a particularly stronger effect for tractors with larger engine sizes. This research contributes to the policy evaluation of agricultural subsidies, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and providing insights into the value of productive farm assets such as tractors.
Moderating Effects of Electrification on the Temperature-Suicide Relationship Among Rural Farmers in India with Jamie T. Mullins (UMass-Amherst)
Electricity is a crucial factor for agriculture, primarily provided by the government. However, vulnerable farmers often cannot afford diesel-powered generators, and adopting renewable energy remains a distant dream for them. This lack of affordable and reliable electricity adversely affects agricultural output and overall farmer welfare. In our analysis using the temperature response model, we examine how access to electricity can mitigate the relationship between high temperatures and suicide rates among farmers. This research contributes to the broader field of energy economics by analyzing how access to energy infrastructure influences agricultural under climate stress.
Unintended Consequences of Surface Irrigation Project on Groundwater Recharge in India with Nilesh Shinde (UMass-Amherst) & Matt Woerman (Colorado State University)
While developing countries invest heavily in large-scale irrigation projects, their impact on regional inequality remains poorly understood due to data limitations. This study examines spatial development patterns in Gujarat, India, by analyzing multi-fold earth observation datasets with observed groundwater levels and village-level data. Our analysis reveals that the irrigation canal effectively reversed groundwater overuse, raising aquifer levels by 14.56 meters (55% above baseline) and saving villages $31,000 each in well construction costs ($174 million total during 2007-2014). This surface water access led to a 7.8% increase in irrigated area, 12.9% decrease in drought-resistant crops, and 12.3% rise in high-value cash crops.
Work in Progress
Dynamics of Caste and Electoral Representation with Jamie T. Mullins (UMass-Amherst) & Pratik Fulluke (Louisiana State University)
Weather Shocks, Safety Nets, and Agricultural Insurance Adoption with Jamie T. Mullins (UMass-Amherst)
Machine Learning, Caste, and Gender: Disparities and Systematic Discrimination with Pritam Gajbhiye (University of Chicago)
Ongoing Investigations
Economics of Conservation and Production Practices with Jonathan McFadden (USDA Economic Research Service)
Crimes and Legal Interventions for Marginalized Communities with Rohit Walthare (University of Chicago)
Trends in school enrolment, school infrastructure, and state government policies with Sachin Sisodiya (University of Cincinnati)