Identifying, Mapping, and Analyzing Stakeholders of Tomato Value Chain

Abstract

The research aims to optimize the efficiency of tomato value chain by mapping and analyzing various stakeholders. The study was taken as a part of the Research work of MBA (Agribusiness) carried out at Madanapalli taluka of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. The complete research design work is based on primary and secondary data collected through a structured questionnaire and from the Madanapalli Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, annual reports of the National Horticultural Board, and articles from the World Processing Tomato Council. A multistage sampling technique was used for selection and Descriptive statistics, value chain analysis was carried out to identify the key activities within the industry. A value chain map illustrates the journey of tomatoes from production to the consumer, highlighting the various stages and processors involved along the way. The connections are displayed in a vertical manner from the left to the right side. At the top, the main functions of the chain are listed. These functions encompass input supply, production, trading, marketing/processing, and consumption. The vertical progression from the left to the right side illustrates the individuals engaged in performing the various functions. Displayed on the left side, the enablers help and support the actors in performing their roles. These enablers primarily include formal and informal institutions, as well as private organizations. The study concludes that lack of access to credit, Huge loss of raw produce in a glut situation, Inadequate infrastructure, seasonal fluctuations in business, and intense competition within a limited timeframe pose significant challenges in the tomato value chain. The lack of incentives for quality differentiation further exacerbates these issues. The chain's lack of transparency allows middlemen to wield control, leaving farmers with little ability to market their produce effectively.