Pattern of Utilization, Benefits and Expectations of Agricultural Marketing Information for Nutritional Security in Meghalaya

The paper has studied the pattern of utilization and benefits of and expectations from agricultural marketing information by different categories of farmers in the study area of two regulated markets, namely, Mawiong Regulated Market in Mylliem Block of East Khasi Hills and Garobadha Regulated Market in Selsella Block of West Garo Hills district. The study is based on sample size of 120 farmers selected from both regulated markets randomly. The study has revealed that the extent of utilization of agricultural market information by different categories of farmers was more in decision-making on production, selling and post-harvest handling. It was observed that about 27.8 per cent of small farmers could obtain higher prices (benefits) by utilizing agricultural market information on changing place and time of sale. The benefits were derived from agricultural market information by small farmers from grading (38.8%) and storage (50%). The market information on prices in nearby markets placed high expectations among all the categories of farmers, followed by future price projections and quality-wise price information. Integration of various agencies for dissemination of vital agricultural marketing information is needed for nutritional security in the hilly regions of Meghalaya.