The Profile Characteristics of Maize Value Chain Partners

Abstract

Value chains have always been in existence in agriculture in the sense that farms carried out production and the final consumer accessed the produce, with the product being passed through several intermediaries. With the diversified end uses, maize industry in India is being dominated by many players viz., farmers, aggregators/traders, processors (Feed industry/ Starch industry) and Consumers (Poultry industry/Food or feed industry. The current investigation explored profile of maize value chain partners in Telangana State of India. Majority of maize growers reported medium information seeking behaviour, low creative potential, low quality consciousness, medium economic motivation, medium innovativeness, low risk taking ability and medium achievement motivation whereas majority of other stakeholders reported medium level in all the characteristics but low in risk taking ability. An examination of profile of value chain partners thereby answers how these individuals can be similar or dissimilar in managing their business since these characteristics determine their business behaviour the most. The findings further can add value in the interventions that focus on effective management of maize value chains.