Production and marketing of green peas in Punjab

Green peas occupied 19.70 thousand hectare area with a production of 202.94 thousand tons in Punjab during 2012–13. The total variable cost incurred in growing green peas was Rs. 51761 and the minimum variable cost was on small farms. The maximum expenses incurred were Rs. 256970 on hired labour. The hired labour put 1104 hrs. per hectare and family labour put 169 hrs. per hectare in growing green peas. The return over variable cost was Rs. 68725 per hectare and was maximum on large farm due to prevailing of economies of scale on large farms. The marketing of green peas has been studied by four supply chains viz; I: Producer-Wholesaler-retailer-Consumer, II: Producer-Wholesaler-Consumer, III: Producer-Retailer-Consumer, IV: Producer-Consumer. The net price received by the producer was 70.57 per cent, 81.91 per cent, 75.68 per cent and 96.25 per cent in supply chain I, II, III and IV respectively in Ludhiana market during January, 2012. The producer's share in supply chain IV was maximum because of direct sale to consumer. Hence supply chain IV has been found most efficient because the farmer ‘s were avoiding the marketing expenses for green peas.