Situation analysis of Khasi mandarin value chain in Meghalaya: Growers’ perspective

Citrus is the third largest fruit sub-sector economy in the country after mango and banana. In Meghalaya, Khasi Mandarin is one of the key commercial citrus fruit crops that has started establishing its presence in domestic as well as foreign markets, and has been a profitable venture to the growers. The study was taken up in two selected districts i.e., East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya during 2022-2023 to analyse the situation of the Khasi Mandarin value chain. SWOT analysis and TOWS matrix were applied to examine the internal and external factors. The opinions of 60 Khasi Mandarin growers towards selected SWOT factors were recorded. From the strength group important factor was “Low capital investment and maintenance and high returns to Mandarin orchard growers” and the weaknesses was “No proper irrigation design facilities in orchards”. While for opportunities, two factors were highly perceived i.e., “GI tagging provides employment and export facilities”, and “more opportunities for food processing enterprises” had the highest scores and for threats, “regular disease and pest incidence” had the highest score. The study suggests the need to reduce involvement of middlemen through formation of organized value chain for unprocessed as well as processed fruits by facilitating formation of farmer-based groups (FPC/ FPO/PG), establishment of community managed food processing centres, branding and certification for obtaining maximum benefit to producers and processors by selling the produce both in processed and unprocessed form directly to consumers/ distribution centres or export.