Constraints of Vegetable Supply Chain in Assam, India

Abstract

Various literature reviews explain about vegetable supply chain and its constraints. The objective of this study is to analyze the constraints faced by vegetable growers and intermediaries in the vegetable supply chain. A multistage random sampling was conducted for sample selection. The vegetables selected for the study is based on it’s area and production in the state. Cabbage, Cauliflower, carrot, potato and tomato are some of the significant vegetables of Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone, Assam. The districts selected (Kamrup, Barpeta and Nalbari) are based on dominance in area and production as well as convenience of analysis and data collection. Thus 135 intermediaries and 385 vegetable growers were asked with structured questionnaires. Henry Garrett Ranking technique was used to find out various constraints. The top 5 constraints are considered as high rated constraints and it indicates that the infrastructure and logistics for post harvest vegetables are the most concerned issues for the vegetable growers. Non availability of storage facilities and poor handling (staking of gunny bags) adversely affect vegetable quality and shelf life. The logistical obstructions (distance of transport, labour requirements) add to increase in cost and delay in transit resulting in less profit margin. The most critical issues, as considered by the intermediaries, are “malpractices in price fixation” which ranks first with a score of 78.34 which specifies a dearth of transparency and possibilities of pricing mechanisms’ exploitation as intermediaries may not have any control over price fixation. The rank 2 with a score of 77.10 is the “pressure to sell to particular buyers” indicates limited market options which may be due to “monopolistic practices or informal agreements”.