An economic analysis of direct marketing of potato and onion in Ludhiana city
The study was undertaken in Ludhiana city of Punjab state to examine marketing cost, price spreads, marketing problems, and to suggest suitable remedial measures to improve the marketing of fruits and vegetables in Apni Mandi. Primary data were collected from 60 farmers, 40 consumers and 20 retailers based on simple random sample without replacement and Secondary data were collected from the office of Market Committee, Ludhiana. Index of Arrivals was calculated and Price spreads were worked out using mode method. Index of arrivals of Ludhiana Apni Mandi was highest in the month of March and lowest in the month of September. Moreover, the study showed that index of income of Market Committee was highest in the month of January and lowest in the month of July. The results showed that the producer's share in consumer's rupee was highest in Apni Mandi for potato (90.00 percent) and onion (94.20 per cent), respectively while it was lowest in the wholesale vegetable market. The study calls for adequate infrastructural facilities to be provided by government for the proper and efficient operation of Apni Mandi. In order to add value for the farmers produce, there should be provision of grading/standardization, branding, labeling, and packing facilities by the concerned body.