Economics of production and marketing of vegetables in Chittur taluk with special reference to tomato and okra

Abstract

The present investigation on the production and marketing of vegetables (okra and tomato) in Chittur taIuk of Palghat district was undertaken during the year 1996 - '97. The study aimed at estimating the cost of cultivation, cost of production, input-output ratio and marketing efficiency of the two vegetables. The study also aimed at identifying the important marketing channels. Single stage random sampling was adopted for the study. Cost A1, Cost A2, Cost B1 , Cost B2 , Cost C1, and Cost C2 per hectare were Rs. 21,554.22, Rs. 21,554.22, Rs. 21,949.22, Rs.26,949.22, Rs. 24,730.74 and Rs. 29,730.74 respectively for okra and Rs. 19,787.77, Rs. 19,787.77, Rs. 20,152.77, Rs.25,152.77, Rs. 22,146.35 and Rs. 27,046.35 respectively for tomato. Cost of production per quintal of okra based on cost A1 , Cost A2, Cost B1 , Cost B2 , Cost C1, and Cost C2 were Rs. 194.70, Rs. 194.70, Rs. 198.27, Rs. 243.44, Rs. 223.40 and Rs. 268.57 respectively. For tomato they were Rs. 141.64, Rs. 141.64, Rs. 144.25, Rs. 180.05, Rs. 157.81 and Rs. 193.60 in the same order. Farm business income for okra and tomato were Rs. 23,611.38 and Rs. 29,945.43 respectively for the aggregate sample. Family labour income was Rs. 18,216.38 and Rs, 24,580.43 for okra and tomato respectively. Farm investment income was Rs. 20,829.86 and Rs. 28,051.85 for okra and tomato respectively. Net income for okra and tomato were Rs. 15,434.86 and Rs. 22,686.85 respectively. The major marketing channel in Palghat market for marketing of okra and tomato were Producer - Commission agent - whole saler - retailer -

Consumer. The producer's net share on consumer's rupee was Rs. 0.60 for okra and 0.61 for tomato. The index of marketing efficiency was 1.51 for okra and 1.55 for tomato. The analysis of marketing efficiency revealed that the efficiency of marketing of tomato was higher when compared to okra. The major constraint faced by vegetable cultivators in the area was the rising cost of production without a corresponding increase in the returns. A two pronged strategy aimed at reducing the cost of production and increasing the returns is the suggested remedial measure. Efforts aimed at smoothening violent price fluctuations is also called for.