Value Chain Analysis of Pea in Solan District of Himachal, India

Abstract

The study examines the value chain of pea (Pisum sativum) in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, with a focus on production, input sourcing, marketing, and processing. Pea, a high-nutrition crop, holds a significant position in the region’s agricultural economy. The research identifies key actors in the value chain, including farmers, government and private input suppliers, traders, wholesalers, retailers, and processors, and evaluates their contributions to value addition. Farmers primarily purchase seeds from the open market due to better quality, while fertilizers and plant protection chemicals are sourced from both government agencies and private suppliers. The value chain analysis highlights inefficiencies like fragmented marketing channels, dependence on intermediaries, and inadequate cold storage infrastructure, which limit farmer profitability. Degree of value addition was highest at the processor stage (62.70%) for frozen peas, demonstrating the economic potential of processing. The sector achieved net returns of ₹3,000 per quintal, with a capacity utilization of 67.5 per cent. Strengthening input supply systems, improving market infrastructure, and enhancing processing capacity are critical to optimizing the pea value chain and ensuring sustainable income growth for stakeholders involved in production and marketing.