Production processing and marketing of kokum (Garcinia indica) in konkan region of Maharashtra - an economic analysis
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Date
2008
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UAS Dharwad
Abstract
Kokum (Garcinia indica) is one of the most important indigenous tree spice having
numerous medicinal properties. The value addition to the kokum fruits through processing
assumes an important activity because raw/ripe fruits needs to be processed before their
consumption. In this context, kokum crop has attained the status of economical importance.
The growth rate on area and production of kokum increased significantly over a period
(1990-2004) for both Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, where in only this crop is being
commercially cultivated. The per hectare cost of establishment of kokum orchard for initial
five years was found to be higher (Rs.69,205.67) in grafted kokum orchard as compared to
seed origin kokum orchard (Rs.38,883.96). The cost of production of seed origin kokum
orchard at overall level was worked out to Rs.26,424.20 per ha whereas it was Rs.42,826.49
per ha for grafted orchard. For this cost structure kokum fruit production was observed to be
highest in seed origin orchard compared to grafted orchard. The seed origin orchards
enjoying this performance due to early orchard establishment.
The financial feasibility test in kokum plantation for grafted kokum orchard as well as
seed origin kokum orchard were positive and indicated the kokum cultivation observed to be
economically feasible.
The profitability ratio in kokum, processing units indicated that all the processing
units of kokum were in the position to protect their equity and generated proportionately
income on the particular equity. The ratio of net profit to fixed assets was highest (9.47) in
kokum RTS unit due to it’s lower level of investment made in the fixed assets compared to
2.21 and 6.20 in kokum syrup and rind respectively. It was also observed that
Rs.10,31,875.53 realized at overall level as the net return per factory by processing kokum
fruit into kokum syrup, kokum agal, kokum rind and kokum RTS.
The processed product like kokum syrup and kokum agal incurred the highest
marketing cost (Rs.1.88/litre) compared to others processed product viz., kokum RTS
(Rs.0.10/packet) and kokum rind (Rs.0.50/kg) by the kokum processor, whereas kokum
grower was found to be highest marketing cost in Lonawala kokum and kokum ghul
(Rs.35.00/q) followed by kokum fruits (Rs.30.00/q) and kokum seed (Rs.25.00/q). For
identified importing countries the export of kokum products from India in term of quantity
and value were observed to be relatively unstable.