Whether value chain improves the organic farmer's net income? – an economic analysis of organic finger millet in Tamil Nadu

The present study has examined the economics of organic minor millets production, and analysed its value chain and marketing efficiency. The study was conducted in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu. Costs and returns, marketing efficiency, price spread and value addition in finger millet was worked out. The analysis reveals that farmers receive a net income of Rs. 86,015/ha by cultivating organic finger millet in the study area. The price spread was higher in finger millet cookies and lower in flour. Though the farmer's share in consumer price was higher in finger millet flour and lower in cookies, the net value addition was higher in case of cookies and sprouted flour. The study suggests that to increase farmer's share in consumer price and to provide additional employment, minor millet processing units may be provided to the Organic Farmers Association for value addition at farm level.