Constraint Analysis of Maize Marketing in Telangana State Using Garrett’s Ranking Technique

Abstract

This study examined the key constraints faced by farmers in marketing maize, a major crop in Telangana. The study was conducted in the top three maize-producing districts of Telangana - Warangal Rural, Siddipet, and Kamareddy. Data was gathered through personal interviews with 240 sample farmers using pre-tested, structured questionnaires for the 2021-22 agricultural year. An opinion survey was used to identify and rank the top challenges using the Garrett’s ranking technique. The primary constraints cited by farmers were an excessive number of middlemen in the market (82.65), price fluctuations (79.13), lack of support pricing during production surpluses (73.45), and high commission charges levied by market intermediaries (70.62). Farmers also reported secondary issues like delays in Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations and inadequate market infrastructure. Minor problems included high transportation costs (40.58), improper storage (37.26), and lack of pledge loan facilities for warehouse receipts (28.61). The study provided valuable insights into the challenges impacting maize marketing in the region.