An Economic Analysis of Marketing Cost, Efficiency, Price Spread and Constraints Faced by the Carrot Growers in the Sri Ganganagar District of Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Carrot (Daucus carota) is a major vegetable crop in India, however inefficiencies in its marketing system limit farmers’ returns. This study analyses marketing channels, price spreads, marketing costs, margins, and efficiency, as well as the constraints faced by carrot growers in the Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan during the 2022–23 Rabi season. Primary data were collected using a multistage stratified sampling technique through personal interviews with farmers and market intermediaries. Three marketing channels were identified in the study area: Producer–Consumer (Channel I), Producer–Retailer–Consumer (Channel II), and Producer–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer (Channel III). The findings revealed that Channel I was the most efficient, channel, with the highest producer share (99.16%) and lowest price spread (₹10/quintal), due to the absence of intermediaries. Channel II showed moderate efficiency, with a producer share of 52.25% and a price spread of ₹955/quintal. Channel III was found to be the least efficient, with the lowest producer share (27.85%) and the highest price spread (₹2,525/quintal), owing to higher marketing costs and margins of intermediaries. Acharya’s marketing efficiency index further confirmed that Channel I (119) is significantly more efficient than Channel II (1.10) and Channel III (0.38). The major constraints identified were price fluctuations during peak season, high post-harvest and transportation costs, perishability of the produce, limited market access, and inadequate technical and market knowledge among farmers. The study suggests staggered sowing, use of quality seeds, improved access to market information and weather forecasts, formation of farmer groups, and the adoption of scientific nutrient management practices to enhance profitability and marketing efficiency.