Management Behaviour of Stakeholders in the Cotton Value Chain in Telangana Region, India

Abstract

The cotton value chain involves various stakeholders, including farmers, ginners, traders, manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Effective management is key to sustaining the industry and ensuring its economic viability. The study explores how stakeholders make decisions, manage operations and respond to market dynamics, regulations, technology and social factors. It also highlights challenges and opportunities for better collaboration.  The study conducted in Telangana, randomly selected 120 stakeholders-80 farmers and 40 others. Findings show that Half of the farmers exhibited low management awareness, whereas a majority of other stakeholders (55%) demonstrated a moderate level of awareness. Most profile factors significantly influenced stakeholders’ understanding, with the exception of annual income (multiple linear regression value: 64.25). To ensure long-term sustainability of the sector, the adoption of innovative technologies and efficient resource utilization is imperative. These findings have direct practical implications for strengthening the cotton value chain. The high proportion of farmers with low management awareness indicates the need for targeted capacity-building programmes focusing on managerial skills such as input planning, cost management, quality control, record maintenance and market-oriented decision-making. Extension agencies and KVKs can use these results to design differentiated training modules for farmers and non-farmer stakeholders rather than adopting a uniform approach. The medium level of awareness among other stakeholders suggests scope for improving inter-stakeholder coordination mechanisms, such as structured platforms for information sharing, price discovery and demand forecasting. Since income was not a significant determinant, interventions should prioritise knowledge access, institutional linkages and behavioural change communication over financial incentives alone. Additionally, promoting the adoption of digital tools, traceability systems and innovative technologies can enhance transparency, efficiency, and collaboration across the cotton value chain, thereby contributing to its long-term economic viability.