The paper has analysed the pattern of arrivals and prices of cotton in non-traditional areas of Karnataka, viz. Mysore, Davanagere, Shivamogga and Chitradurga districts. The stakeholders operating in different channels of cotton marketing and their efficiency measures were also studied. Seasonal indices have been computed to study seasonal variations in market arrivals and prices of cotton. The study has observed higher indices of market arrivals and prices in the peak period (September to December) and a positive correlation between prices and arrivals of cotton in all the four selected markets. The farmers are forced to sell their produce immediately after the harvest due to greater financial pressure. The marketing efficiency of different channels in cotton marketing has been worked out by Acharya's modified method. In marketing of cotton, the majority of farmers have been found to operate through Producer-Miller channel. The study has suggested that farmers should be educated about market information and other facilities to avoid distress sale and provide more profit to them.
Cotton, marketing efficiency, market arrivals, Karnataka
