Naik, Balachandra K.Patil, Sangeeta2021-03-272021-03-272016-07https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810163164Agriculture inputs marketing acts as a tool for better performance in agriculture. Therefore, market and marketing systems reforms ought to be an integral part of policy and strategy for agricultural development. In the present study, demand for fertilizers and manures was analysed using the data on distribution of fertilizers in Dharwad and Belagavi districts from 2004-05 to 2014-15. Estimation of demand for future three years were also computed using Annual growth rate (AGR) with suitable explanatory variables. Tabular analysis was used to study the logistic management and marketing management aspects of fertilizer distribution. Garrett ranking technique was used to analyse the problems of distribution through public, co-operative and private channels. The sample consisted of 16 input dealers, eight Raitha Samparka Kendras (RSKs), four Taluka Agriculture Produce Co-operative Marketing Societies (TAPCMS) and 120 farmers. There is a big scope for increasing the distribution of inputs by public and private sector to meet the huge demand gap so that farmers will get benefited by using quality, high productive capacity inputs to take timely sowing of crops in the districts. In case of private retailers, the marketing margin was maximum as compared to private wholesalers and cooperative channels (TAPCMS). Marketing efficiency was higher with private retailer as compared to private wholesalers and cooperative channels (TAPCMS) in distribution of fertilizer in both districts. The major factors influencing the farmers preference for fertilizers in both the districts was reference by relatives or friends or neighbors. Three major problems mentioned by private, co-operative and public channels in the study districts were risk in investment, difficulty in getting stocks on time and large number of brands, respectively.EnglishThesis