Marketing of oranges by regulated market: a case study of regulated market, Nagpur

Abstract

The accelerated growth of agriculture mainly depends upon the provision of farm and non farm services. Among non farm services marketing is the most important one. Regulated markets in the country were set up to provide the fair trade practices and to protect the interest of both producer and consumer. Various infrastructural facilities are provided in the market for smooth conduct of business. The study explores whether the stated objectives were achieved, focusing on orange marketing. Regulated market Nagpur was selected to study marketing of oranges. To assess the overall performance of market, a comparative analysis of open and regulated market was done with respect to price fixation, marketing costs, etc. The study was conducted for the period of 1984 to 1994. The study reveals that infrastructural facilities are in adequate, additional sub market yards are required to set up to serve more number of farmers. This is demonstrated by the ratio. The ratio in Hingna and Kamthi blocks is 1:12200 and 1113300 respectively. Marketing cost per Rs. 100 worth of produce in open market is Rs. 4.55 as against Rs. 2.35 in regulated market. This shows that there is higher realization of price in regulated market. For better management and functioning full autonomy must be accorded. The functions of state government and state agricultural marketing board should primarily be confirmed to policy decisions. Efforts should be made to propagate and highlight the benefits of grading to farmers by educating and providing information in securing better prices. A better regulated market can achieve competitive price in international market for oranges.