Marketing of Makhana: A Study with Special Reference to Malda District, West Bengal

The present study aims to examine marketing channels, marketing cost, marketing margin, producer’s share, price spread and marketing efficiency of Makhana in Malda district, which occupies the first place in West Bengal. Four marketing channels are found to be operational in the Malda district but the maximum quantity of Makhana was sold through the channel-I (nearly 60 to 70%) and the least quantity is sold through by channel-IV. Marketing cost is highest in channel-III and lowest in channel-IV. The market margin is highest in channel-III followed by channel-II and lowest in channel-IV. The price spread also followed the same pattern. The marketing efficiency was found to be highest in channel-IV followed by channel-II and channel-III. In order to improve the marketing efficiency, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) needs to be established in the district. It is also desirable to organise mass awareness program for the promotion of Makhana use.