Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

The study was conducted in "Economics & marketing of custard apple: A micro level induce from Kanker district, Chhattisgarh". Kanker, Charama and Narharpur block of Kanker District. Six Self-Help Groups (SHG’s) were engaged in custard apple collection and processing. From each block two SHG’s were selected and total 89 respondents were selected by using random sampling technique. The study is based on primary and secondary data. The study revealed that the total operational cost incurred during collection and processing of custard apple by SHG’s was found to be Rs.70082.67 during the season, out of which the cost incurred on custard apple purchase cost was found to be Rs.31440, collection of custard apple was found to be Rs.6205.00 and processing cost was found to be Rs.32437.67. Total 3144 kg of custard apple collected, out of which 2224 kg of custard apple was used which constitutes 741 kg of pulp, rest 920 kg were used to sell directly to the consumers. Total return was found to be Rs.166350.00 form both custard apple and pulp. In case of government subsidy and SHG’s the total cost was found to be Rs.72916.00 whereas, the net income for SHG’s was found to be Rs.96267.33 and it C:B ratio was found to be 1:1.37. In the study area the following marketing channel was found which includes Channel – I (SHG’s-FPO-Ice cream making company), Channel – II (SHG’s-Consumer) and Channel- III (SHG’s-Local Vender). The major constraint was involvement of private sector followed by poor quality of fruit and non-availability of found. In view of constraints following recommendations were required such as involvement of NGO’s and other private institute should be encouraged in the area so that SHG’s can get maximum benefit through technology transfer and as custard apple is a seasonal crop of 2 months, it is advisable for processors to diversify and include the value addition activities for other fruits of locality like Jamun, mango, etc. This is necessary to make value chain developed by processing units viable.