A study into the marketing efficiency of eggs through different channels in Amritsar district of Punjab

The study examines the marketing efficiency of eggs in Amritsar district of Punjab. The eggs were primarily sold through three marketing channels. The maximum proportion of the total eggs produced was being sold through wholesalers i.e. 52, 64, and 80 percent of market surplus in the case of small, medium and large poultry farms. The proportion of eggs sold through retailers was less as comparative to wholesalers. The large farms preferred this channel relatively less because high risk of spoilage was associated as the produce was to be sold in lesser quantities. Further results revealed that the marketing efficiency of Channel-III was 16.73 which were higher than Channel-I and II by 13.02 and 11.77. So, the channel III for marketing of eggs was more efficent with higher producer share in consumer's rupee due to the removal of all intermediaries as compared to Channel-I and II. The problems faced by the poultry farmers were the lack of availability of raw materials, improved technology, health coverage, extension and training facilities, export facilities, transport and storage facilities and high feed cost and low egg prices. For improving the marketing of eggs, it was suggested that the number of intermediaries should be less, market infrastructure should be improved, storage and transportation facilities should be strengthened, more retail outlets, mass gathering and create awareness about the nutrient value of eggs to remove the inefficiencies in the marketing system.