The Markets, Institutions, and Policies (MIP) Cluster at ICRISAT utilizes a range of tools and technologies to support its research and contribute to the development of sustainable farm and food systems. These tools and technologies enable evidence-based analysis, decision-making, and policy formulation to enhance market opportunities, strengthen institutions, and shape supportive policies. Some of the key tools and technologies used by the MIP Cluster include:

  Unified Framework and Investment Planning Tool for Scaling Climate Smart Agriculture: This tool provides a systematic approach to integrating climate-smart agricultural practices and policies. It enables decision-makers to plan and prioritize investments that build resilience across agricultural value chains, thereby contributing to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

  Whole Farm Bio-economic Modelling: By employing bio-economic modelling techniques, the MIP Cluster designs farming systems that are not only profitable but also resilient. These models take into account various factors, such as crop yields, input costs, market dynamics, and climate variability, to identify optimal farming strategies for sustainable and economically viable agriculture.

  System Dynamics Value Chain Modelling Tool: This tool employs system dynamics modelling to analyze value chains and identify leverage points for policy interventions. It helps evaluate and design effective policy options to improve value chain opportunities, enhance value addition, and promote market development for agricultural products.

  Multi-dimensional Sustainability Assessment Framework and Tool: The MIP Cluster utilizes a multi-dimensional sustainability assessment framework to evaluate and track the sustainability of farm and food systems. This framework considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions, providing a holistic understanding of the system's sustainability. The associated tool facilitates the assessment and design of sustainable practices and interventions.

  Food Environment Research Framework: The MIP Cluster has developed a framework for conducting food environment research in low- and middle-income countries. This framework enables the study of factors influencing food production, distribution, and consumption, leading to insights for improving food systems, nutrition, and public health outcomes.

  Policy Insights using ICRISAT Household Panel Data: The MIP Cluster leverages the ICRISAT Household Panel Data, available at https://vdsa.icrisat.org/, to generate policy insights on agri-food systems transitions. By analyzing household-level data, trends, and patterns, the cluster provides evidence-based recommendations for policy development, targeting poverty reduction, improved food security, and sustainable agricultural development.

These tools and technologies employed by the MIP Cluster enhance its capabilities to analyze market dynamics, evaluate policy options, design sustainable farming systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making for the transformation of farm and food systems in the dryland regions.