Vol. 7, Issue 12 (2018)

Author(s):
Abhineet Ranjan and Jayant Zechariah

Abstract:
The study has examined the post-harvest losses and marketing of potato in Nawada district, Bihar. Multistage cluster sampling has been used for selection of 6 potato growers’ villages, and 110 respondent farmers. The sample has also included 10 market functionaries. Potato has been selected for the study. The maximum aggregate post-harvest losses have been found at producer level followed by wholesaler and retailer. There was no organized market for potato. The marketing cost, marketing margin and price spread of potato was lowest in short marketing channel (Producer à Consumer) and highest in longest marketing channel (Producer à Pre harvest contractor à Wholesaler à Retailer à Consumer). The study has suggested that establishment of producer co-operatives to handle various activities relating to production and marketing of vegetables would help in reducing post-harvest losses. The study has suggested that establishment of producer co-operatives to handle various activities relating to production and marketing of vegetables would help in reducing post-harvest losses.