Marketing of grapes and raisins and post-harvest losses of fresh grapes in Maharashtra

Price spread and losses in grapes and marketing economics of raisins in Maharashtra were studied. Major marketing channels were: 1) Grower - commission agent - retailer - consumer for local and distant markets and 2) Grower - C.A. - trader - retailer - consumer for distant upcountry markets. Marketing efficiency was 1.27 when produce was sold by producer directly to retailer. When produce was sold to trader in vineyard, efficiency was 0.50 with share of producer 33.65% in consumer's rupee. In longer channels, effiency was 0.48, with producer's share 32.50% in consumer’ rupee. Raisin making was profitable and earned Rs. 50,500/additional than marketing grapes. Marketing of raisins was through commission agents. Losses in grapes were 1–1.25% at farm, 5.5–8.65% at wholesale and 12.25–16% at retail level. Negative correlation co-efficient was recorded in monthly prices and arrivals at national level and major markets in Maharashtra.