Background/ Objectives: The study was conducted to compare the structure of two principal markets of fruits and vegetables in Uttarakhand and to assess the marketing efficiency, price spread and farmer’s share in consumer’s rupee for sample commodities arriving in these markets.
Methods/Statistical analysis: Out of total 16 functional fruits and vegetables markets of Uttarakhand, two principal markets i.e. Haldwani from Kumaon and Dehradun from Garhwal were selected for the study. Major fruits and vegetables were selected on the basis of quantity of arrival and continuity of arrival throughout the year. Performances of markets were compared on the basis of marketing cost, marketing margins, marketing efficiency index, Price spread and Producer’s share in consumer’s rupee.
Findings: The proportion of marketing costs incurred by producers ranged between 38 to 58 per cent of the total marketing costs of different commodities. Considering marketing efficiency index, Dehradun was found more efficient in marketing potato, tomato and cabbage while Haldwani market was more efficient in apple marketing. The price spread in case of apple was very high (105 to 116%), while it was lowest in case of potato. The producer’s share in consumer’s rupee varied between 32 to 59 per cent for selected commodities and was highest for potato (about 58.81%) in Dehradun market. On the other hand the producer’s share in consumer’s rupee in case of apple was lowest in Dehradun market.
Application/Improvements: There existed wide variations in the share of producer in consumer’s rupee (38 to 59%) as well as high Price spread. Therefore, there is need to regularize the activities of marketing middlemen so that these can be minimised.