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ThesisItem Open Access Economic analysis of production and marketing of kaipad paddy in kannur district(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Radhika, A M; KAU; Anil, KuruvilaThe present study entitled “Economic analysis of production and marketing of Kaipad paddy in Kannur district” was conducted with the objectives of working out the costs and returns of Kaipad paddy cultivation, estimating the magnitude and the factors contributing to the yield gap, identifying the marketing channels and the price spread in different channels, finding out the constraints in production and marketing of Kaipad paddy and documenting the cultural practices of Kaipad paddy cultivation. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The study was conducted in Kaipad tracts of Kannur district and primary data were collected by means of formal interviews from farmers, traders and market-intermediaries. The farmers in the study area were categorised into five groups on the basis of farming practices followed as farmers growing traditional variety, farmers growing traditional Kaipad and shrimp in sequence, farmers growing HYV (Ezhome-l/Ezhome-2), farmers growing HYV (Ezhome-1 / Ezhome-2) and shrimp in sequence and paddy farmers from non-saline areas adjacent to Kaipad. From each of the five categories, l5 farmers were selected from each of the Panchayat. A sample of 30 farmers was randomly selected from each group, thus making a total sample size of 150 farmers. Cost-return structure was worked out both for Kaipad and conventional paddy production using percentage analysis and cost concepts. The cost of cultivation (Cost C2- Rs.67128) was highest in the case of farmers growing HYV without shrimp in sequence. The cost of production of HYV was higher than the costs incurred for growing traditional varieties and the average income from the HYV was more than the income from traditional varieties. The highest average gross income of Rs.61741/ha was obtained by farmers growing HYV and shrimp in sequence while it was lowest for the farmer respondents growing traditional variety without shrimp in sequence. Family labour income was estimated to be negative in the category of farmers growing traditional variety. The net income and Benefit Cost Ratio indicated that the farming is a loss making business in Kaipad region, especially when the value of the family labour, the land value and the managerial cost were accounted in the cost. Yield gap was estimated and factors contributing to the yield gap were analysed using regression analysis. Among the farmers growing Ezhome-1without shrimp in sequence, the total yield gap was 747 Kg, which was 21 per cent of the potential yield whereas for farmers growing Ezhome-2 without shrimp in sequence, the total yield gap added to 847 Kg and it accounted for about 26 per cent of the potential yield. When Ezhome-1 and Ezhome-2 were grown with shrimp in sequence, the total yield gap was 601 and 497 respectively. The share of yield gap II in the total yield gap was found to be 38 per cent and 43 per cent respectively for Ezhome-1 and Ezhome-2 with shrimp in sequence, while it was 78 and 91 per cent for Ezhome 1 and Ezhome 2 without shrimp in sequence. In farms growing traditional varieties age was influencing yield gap positively while labour use in man days was found to be negatively influencing the yield gap. In the case of farms growing HYV, seed rate and education were significantly reducing yield gap. For the fitted log-linear yield function for all farms, age was found to be positively influencing yield gap while the seed rate and education were negatively influencing yield gap. The four marketing channels identified were, (i) farmer – rice miller – retailers -consumer (ii) farmer - local agent - rice miller- retailer - consumer (iii) farmer - local agent - Padasekhara-samithis - consumer (iv) farmer - consumer. The price spread was estimated as Rs.16.3 in channel I, Rs.17.51 in channel II, Rs.2.97 in channel III and Rs.3.85 in channel IV respectively. The marketing efficiency was found to be highest in channel III. Various constraints in production and marketing of paddy were identified and ranked using Garret’s ranking technique. Among the various constraints faced by farmers, high wage cost and scarcity of hired labour were the major ones. Low price realized for the produce was the foremost constraint faced in marketing of paddy. Since labour cost accounted for the major share in cost of cultivation and labour scarcity was the major constraint, efforts have to be made for mechanisation in Kaipad cultivation. The production must be increased by bridging the yield gap and thereby increasing the marketable surplus. Taking advantage of the GI status of Kaipad paddy, efforts are to be made for marketing it as a premium priced branded organic produce.ThesisItem Open Access Market access for smallholder tomato farmers in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe: an economic analysis(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Emmanuel Zivenge; KAU; Jesy Thomas, KLinking small primary producers with markets has been identified as one of the major issues in policy and practice in improving livelihoods for millions of poor in Zimbabwe. Hence this study assessed the current market situation as a way of tracking and tracing efficacy and efficiency failures leading to more informed decision making with regard to redesigning of the matching market for smallholder farmers. The objectives of the study were to identify the tomato supply chains, analyse the price behaviour of tomato, assess the economic performance of the major supply chains, evaluate the institutional innovations in the supply chains and suggest viable supply chain options for smallholder tomato farmers in Zimbabwe. Tomato crop was chosen for the study as it is among the most important vegetables grown by smallholder. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The study was conducted in Mashonaland East Province. Primary data were collected by means of formal interviews and structured questionnaire from farmers, market-intermediaries and government officials. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Descriptive analysis was employed to provide a snap shot of the situation under study, which consisted of household level information. The Random Utility Model was employed to determine the factors which significantly influence the market accessibility. The price behaviour was studied using the techniques of classical time series. The Supply chain mapping was done to identify the actors. The study employed Data envelopment analysis to assess economic performance of supply chains and allocation of resources. Volume mapping results indicated that the supply chain, which involved hawkers, was handling the largest volume of tomatoes approximately 409.4 tonnes in one production cycle in 2013 season. The chain that included wholesalers/processors was the least in terms of quantity handled (39.4 tons) showing that it was not accessible. Data envelopment analysis results indicated that the chain that included wholesalers and processors was the only efficient chain when constant return to scale was assumed. Supermarket chain was efficient when variable returns to scale was assumed. The chains that included passers-by and hawkers were inefficient under both constant returns to scale and variable returns to scale technologies. The seasonal index results showed that the tomato prices were highest and lowest in July and November respectively when prices were 31 percent higher than the annual average price and 43 percent below the annual average' price. Spatial markets were not efficient in the short run although showing stable equilibrium in the long run. The price changes were transmitted from one market to another at a rate between 22 percent and 24 percent in the short run which proved to be low. There was no centre market among six municipal markets since price changes were to be set around more than one market. Random Utility model results showed that credit, greenhouse and cooperative membership were significantly influencing participation of smallholder farmers in formal markets. Data envelopment analysis results showed that farmer, on average could reduce input consumption by 12 percent and 27 percent at production and marketing stages respectively. The study concluded that the opportunities to improve profits lie in the marketing perspectives rather than production for tomato producers under study. Farmers can gain better income by reducing consumption of inputs without necessarily asking for high prices. The higher market price cannot compensate the value loss incurred by the high level of transaction costs. Tomato producers should pursue the low transaction costs marketing chains rather than ask for a higher market price. The chain that included hawkers should be given due attention and modem matket infrastructures should be established in rural areas in order to relay reliable, relevant and correct information to the farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Economic analysis of production and marketing of organic vegetables in Wayanad District(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Gurram, Jayanth Reddy; KAU; Paul Lazarus, TThe research entitled "Economic analysis of production and marketing of organic vegetables in Wayanad district'' was conducted in Sultan Bathery block of Wayanad district. The research was undertaken with the objective to study the economics of organic vegetable production, consumer preference and marketing of organic vegetables in Wayanad district. Cost of cultivation was worked out using A B C cost concepts. The crops selected for study were yard long bean and bitter gourd. The cost of production of both crops was worked out. Resource use efficiency was carried out using Cobb- Douglas production function. For organic yard long bean, cost A was Rs 1,50,277 ha-1. Cost B1, B2, C1, C2 and C3 were Rs 1,82,078 ha-1, Rs 4,68,975 ha-1, Rs 2,50,413 ha-1, Rs 5,37,311 ha-1 and Rs 5,91,042 ha-1. For conventional yard long bean crop, cost A was Rs 1, 46,277 ha-1. Cost B1, B2, C1, C2 and C3 were Rs 1,63,255 ha-1, Rs 3,75,334 ha-1, Rs 2,16,556 ha-1, Rs 4,28,635 ha-1and Rs 4,71,498 ha-1. For organic bitter gourd, cost A was Rs 1,59,077 ha-1. Cost B1, B2, C1, C2, and C3 were Rs 2,03,570 ha-1, Rs 6,07,172 ha-1, Rs 3,10,403 ha-1, Rs 7,14,004 ha-1 and Rs 7,85,405 ha-1 respectively. For conventional bitter gourd crop, cost A was Rs. 2,04,964 ha-1. Cost B1, B2, C1, C2 and C3 were Rs 2,43,709 ha-1, Rs. 7,27,684 ha-1, Rs. 3,87,940 ha-1, Rs. 8,71,914 ha-1 and Rs 9,59,106ha-1 respectively. The B-C ratio of organic yard long bean and bitter gourd were 2.02 and 1.15, for conventional yard long bean and bitter gourd it was 1.68 and 0.95. Consumer preference towards organic vegetables was studied by carrying an opinion survey. Seventy three per cent of the consumers prefer organic vegetables due to health oriented motives. Six major marketing channels used by the farmers for marketing of their produce were identified. Recently, organic farmers were using fair trade centres as a new channel for the marketing their produce. Organic farming can be practised in the future with the government support of creating special market for organic producers with a premium price which helps in promoting organic farming.