Department of Agricultural Economics, MPKV, Rahuri – 413 722, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
A supply chain analysis of raisins has been carried out by selecting tehsils of Pandharpur, Barshi and North Solapur of Solapur district for the year 2008–09. The marketing cost of grapes at the overall level has been found to constitute packing material (31.96%) transport cost (32.17%), commission to intermediaries (26.74%) and grading charges (6.52%). The marketing Channel-IV (Producer—Pre-harvest contractor—Retailer—Consumer) has been found as the main channel to market the grapes in outside state markets (68%), within state markets (16%), local market (10%). The grape growers from small-size group could receive the highest price in outside state market (Rs 1579/q). The average per kg profit margin for the producer has been found as Rs 7.19 in grapes and Rs 15.92 in raisins. The study has suggested that there is ample opportunity in raisins marketing. There is much scope to increase the producer's share in the consumer rupee, if the number of intermediaries could be reduced. Establishing linkages between farmers and consumers, improving the basic infrastructural facilities and a favourable government vision would further boost the marketing of raisins in the domestic as well as export markets.
