Disposal Trends, Prices and Supply Chain Analysis of Pineapple in West Garo Hills of Meghalaya

The study undertaken in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, has reported disposal trends and prices of pineapple produce by different categories of pineapple growers and has analyzed supply chain in pineapple among different market functionaries. The study has considered three channels for marketing of pineapple. Channel I: Producer – Village Beopari – Consumer; Channel II: Producer – Wholesaler –Retailer – Consumer; Channel III: Producer – Trader – Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer. The study has revealed that the price received by the farmers was highest in Channel–I and lowest in Channel–II. The marketing cost incurred by all categories of sample pineapple growers has been found highest in Channel–III and lowest in Channel–I. The indices of marketing efficiency have been found highest in Channel–I (5.66), followed by Channel–II (3.14), and Channel–III (2.76). The study has suggested that to enhance production of pineapple it is necessary to improve market infrastructure, undertake direct and group marketing, establish modern marketing and processing units, market integration and provide access to market information about pineapple in the study area. There is enough potential of enhancing marketing of ‘Organic pineapple’ for sustainable agricultural development in Meghalaya.