Marketing problems faced by potato growers and intermediaries in Punjab state

Potato marketing in India is significantly hampered by severe constraints. Thus, this study is planned to identify various problems faced by the producers and different marketing functionaries in performing the marketing functions related to disposal of potato. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select respondents-for the study viz. 80 farmers, 10 of each commission agent, wholesaler, retailer and 5 pre harvest contractor-from different potato producing districts of the state. Among all the identified constraints, the major problems faced by farmers were high price fluctuation, problem in timely getting payment and lack of cooperative system in the village. From market intermediaries’point of view, the major problems were lack of quality produce and-lack of transportation facilities during the peak season. The study pointed out the role of awareness generation, price incentives and better infrastructure facilities to the potato growers for encouraging them to emerging potato supply chains that could enhance the farmer’s returns. To address marketing constraints, the price of potatoes should be guaranteed, more cold storage facilities should be developed, and better marketing facilities should be provided by the government. Various government and non-government organizations are taking many-measures, but there is still a gap, thus more such efforts are required.