Summaries role of agriculture market intelligence in uplifting farmers income

Agriculture is the largest private sector enterprise in India with more than10 crore farm holdings. It has been and will continue to be the life line of the Indian economy at least in the foreseeable future. It contributes more than 17.2 per cent to the national GDP, sustain livelihood of about two-thirds of the population, accounts for 54.6 per cent of the national work force and forms the back bone of the agro-based industries. Reliable and timely market information and intelligence in terms of price, produce, period and place to the farmers will definitely increase their income and standard of living. Market Intelligence is an essential function for the formulation of a sound price and trade policy. On the recommendation of the Agricultural Price Enquiry Committee (1954), Market Intelligence Units (MIU) were set up in the capitals of various states. Since it is said that wherever there is a market, an information network also co-exists. New market trends, consumer preferences, new suppliers or new markets can alter the nature and pattern of transaction. A farmer while giving his entire time for planning of production related activities cannot keep track of the changing market or price signals. Though farm related information is provided through the radio, TV and newspapers, there is no mechanism to analyze, interpret and convert this huge volume of information passing through the information highway into simple and comprehensible for trade intelligence. Market intelligence is required by the government organization, traders and their organization, farmers, consumers and researchers as well. Farmers need market intelligence for proper adjustments in cropping pattern and to decide when, where and how much to sell. Farmers need advise on the price that could be realised during harvest well in advance of sowing the crop and before harvesting the crop.As per review With the price forecasting made by the Market Intelligence project, some farmers realized an incremental income to the extent of rupees twenty four thousand per hectare from coriander price intelligence in Kota district of Rajasthan and In case of Cardamom grower the incremental benefit of Rs.10,000 - Rs.13,814 per ha in Idukki district of Kerala.