Value Chain Analysis of Turmeric in Northern Karnataka, India

The present study is an attempt to assess the economics of production, farm level processing and to identify and evaluate the different marketing channels which are involved in the marketing of turmeric in Northern Karnataka. For the study, 96 farmers practicing the cultivation of turmeric in both Bagalkot and Belagavi district were selected randomly. The data collected from the respondents was analysed using budgeting technique. The data pertained to the 2011-12 agriculture year. The estimated per acre cost of cultivation was more in the case of Belagavi district than that of Bagalkot district whereas, the gross returns and total marketing costs were higher in the case of Bagalkot district. The B: C ratio was found to be profitable in both the districts. With respect to marketing cost incurred by the market intermediaries, it was more in the case of wholesalers. Results of the marketing efficiency showed that, channel-III was the most efficient marketing channel, thus selling of turmeric to the processors through commission agents/traders was said to be an efficient marketing channel.