8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
1/69
1 | P a g e
1. INTRODUCTIONThe study of supply chain of spices and vegetables in Uttarakhand is very much important
for development of farmers living standard as well as development of the states economy as
a whole. It is also important to study different stakeholders from the input suppliers to the
final customer along with the indirect stakeholders like private money lenders and
institutional lenders. A supply chain or logistics network is the system of organizations,
people, technology, activities, information and resources involved in moving a product or
service from supplier to customer. Supply chain activities transform natural resources, raw
materials and components into a finished product that is delivered to the end customer. In the
traditional vegetable supply chains, only vegetables of superior quality are purchased fromfarmers at the regional vegetable collecting centres and they are paid a premium price for
such vegetables. In the traditional vegetable supply chains the post harvest losses are as high
as 35 to 40 percent. This is a serious problem with regard to the traditional vegetable supply
chains, as a considerable portion of the total harvest is lost and the cost is ultimately borne by
the producer and the consumer.
Uttarakhand, a state with diversified climatic conditions has the potential to produce a
variety of horticultural crops and contributing a lot towards the national income however the
state suffers from different mismanagement practices in the spices and vegetable supply
chain, which includes infrastructural, technological as well as credit financial (credit related)
problems. Fragmentation of supply chain is another problem. The state is comprises of13
districts, ten hills and three plains with uneven topography and unmatched cultures. So the
state needs different and improved management practices and approaches than that of the
other states. Agro-climatic conditions in hills are capable of supporting growth of variety of
crop plants. Thus, opportunities exist for intensification and diversification of agriculture torealize yield potential of improved crop varieties. More than three-fourths of total population
of Uttarakhand depends on agriculture for their livelihood and the economy is predominantly
dependent on mountain agriculture in the hill districts. However, the land holdings are small
and fragmented and irrigation facilities in these areas are limited. Soil and water conservation
is another issue for inclusive development. For physical, geographical and environmental
reasons, the scope for agricultural policies based on modern input-intensive agriculture is
severely constrained in the hill regions. As a result, the majority of the rural population in the
hills either survives on subsistence agriculture or migrates to other parts of the country for
employment. The state faces the challenge of promoting livelihoods to retain people through
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
2/69
2 | P a g e
local employment and income generation and to enhance their quality of life. At the same
time, the hill districts of Uttarakhand have tremendous potential. The vast natural resources
add to the states attractiveness as an investment destination, especially for tourism and
agriculture- and forest-based industries. Also, it is the first one to be called an organic state.
Uttarakhand is primarily an agricultural state although its share in the countrys total area and
production is very small. The contribution of agriculture to the states domestic product is
about 22.4 per cent and the population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood is about
75 to 85 per cent. The development of the hills is primarily linked to the development of
agriculture and its allied activities. Since the hills are constrained in the development of
large-scale industrialization, and due to infrastructure constraints the development of the
service sector is also constrained, the growth and development of the agriculture sector
remains the prime focus.
1.1 Company profile
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
The present study on Status of Supply Chain Management of Vegetables in
Uttarakhand with special reference to the vegetable growing clusters of Agrakhal and
Maletha (Tehri Garhwal District) was undertaken under the summer placement scheme of
NABARD.
NABARD is set up as an apex Development Bank with a mandate for facilitating
credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and
village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts in 1982. NABARD was established in
terms of the Preamble to the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, "for
providing credit for the promotion of agriculture, small scale industries, cottage and village
industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts and other allied economic activities in rural areaswith a view to promoting IRDP and securing prosperity of rural areas and for matters
connected therewith in incidental thereto". The Act was amended by Act No. 81 of 1985, Act
No. 66 of 1988, Act No. 55 of 2000 and Act No. 48 of 2003.
The mission of the bank is Promoting sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural
development through effective credit support, related services, institution building and other
innovative initiatives.
http://www.nabard.org/nabardact.asphttp://www.nabard.org/nabardact.asp8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
3/69
3 | P a g e
Major role and functions of NABARD are-
1. NABARD is an apex institution accredited with all matters concerning policy,planning and operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic
activities in rural areas.
2. It is an apex refinancing agency for the institutions providing investment andproduction credit for promoting the various developmental activities in rural areas.
3. It takes measures towards institution building for improving absorptive capacity of thecredit delivery system, including monitoring, formulation of rehabilitation schemes,
restructuring of credit institutions, training of personnel, etc.
4. It co-ordinates the rural financing activities of all the institutions engaged indevelopmental work at the field level and maintains liaison with Government of India,
State Governments, Reserve Bank of India and other national level institutions
concerned with policy formulation.
5. It prepares, on annual basis, potential credit plans for all districts in the country; theseplans form the base for annual credit plans of all financial institutions engaged in rural
areas.
6. It undertakes monitoring and evaluation of projects refinanced by it.7.
It promotes research in the fields of rural banking, agriculture and rural development.
1.2Problem statementUttarakhand is a large, low-cost producer of vegetables and horticulture is a sector
with huge export potential. But, high transportation costs, inadequate storage facilities, a
fragmented supply chain, poor technological inputs, poor irrigation network and weak quality
standards at home are eroding its competitiveness. 30 to 40 percent of the vegetables being
wasted as post harvest losses have eventually resulted in producers receiving a very low pricefor their produce while at the other end the consumers are compelled to pay a highly inflated
price for their purchases.
The infrastructure in Uttarakhand in terms of road, rail and rail links are not sufficient.
It is compounded by challenges like lack of market intelligence, lack of warehouses,
transportation etc. The information system is very much poor and farmers are unaware of the
new technologies, schemes etc.
Along with this, problems regarding credit availability to the farmers are also
frequently found. This includes higher cost of credit, time consuming formalities,
http://www.rbi.org.in/http://www.rbi.org.in/http://www.rbi.org.in/8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
4/69
4 | P a g e
unawareness etc. Considering this facts, the present study has been undertaken entitled
Status of Supply Chain Management of Vegetables in Uttarakhand with special reference to
the vegetable growing clusters of Agrakhal andMaletha (Tehri Garhwal District)
1.3 Objectives
In the light of the above facts and problems the objectives of the research are stated as
follows-
1. To study the status of existing supply chain management for vegetables grown by thefarmers in the selected clusters in Uttarakhand.
2.
To study the technologies and practices used by farmers of particular areas ofUttarakhand in spices and vegetable production, transport, storage and marketing.
3. To study the financial aspects of spices and vegetable supply chain managementconsidering participation of MFIs, RRBs, SHGs as well as commercial banks.
4. To propose an improved strategy for spices and vegetable supply chain managementin uttarakhand.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
5/69
5 | P a g e
2. OVERVIEW OF VEGETABLES AND SPICES INDUSTRYVegetable and spices cultivation in India dates back to several centuries before the
dawn of Christianity (Kaul, 1989). More than 40 kinds of vegetables belonging to different
groups are grown in the country, right from the sea level to areas close to snow line. India is
second largest producer of vegetables, next only to China. India ranks first in the world in
production of cauliflowers and pea and second in world in production of broccoli, brinjal and
onion. At present, vegetables are grown on five million hectares of land in the country.
Quantitatively, vegetable ranks after rice and wheat in Indian diet (Dey, 2005). These are the
main sources of supplying all the essential nutrient elements required by human body.
India is the country considered as Home of spices. There are different spices present
in India like ginger, turmeric, chilli, cardamom, cassia, clove, coriander etc India is the
country considered as Home of spices. It was the lure of spices that brought Portuguese,
French, and British to Indian shores.
India bestowed with wide range of agro climates and biodiversity produces 125887
thousand MT of vegetables from an area of 7803000 hectares with average productivity of
16.1 MT/ha and produces 4103 thousand MT of spices in an area of 2603000 ha with average
productivity of 1.6 MT/ha. The percent share of vegetables and spices in production of
horticultural crops in India are 60.84 and 1.98 respectively. The percent share of vegetables
and spices in area under horticultural crops in India are 39 and 13 respectively (Indian
Horticulture Data Base 2008, National Horticulture Board).
In vegetables production, India is next only to China having a share of 14.4% to the
world production. Adoption of high yielding cultivars and FI hybrids and suitable production
technologies has largely contributed for higher production and productivity. Per capital
consumption has also increased from 95 gram to 175 gram per day. More than 40 kinds of
vegetables belonging to different groups, namely cucurbits, cole crops, solanaceous, root and
leafy vegetables are grown in different agro-climatic situations of the country. But Indias
share in global vegetables trade has remained at only 1.7 per cent.
In India the leading producers of vegetables are West Bengal (17%), Uttar Pradesh
(15%) and Bihar (11%) and in spices Andhra Pradesh (30.1%), Rajasthan (12.7%) and Gujrat
(8.7%). Major vegetables and spices produced in India along with their percent share in area
and production are given below-
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
6/69
6 | P a g e
Table 2.1 Percent share of different spices and vegetables in area and production in India
CROP
% SHARE IN
AREA
% SHARE IN
PRODUCTION
VEGETABLES
POTATO 22.9 27.4
ONION 10.3 9.7
TOMATO 7.3 8.2
BRINJAL 7.3 7.6
SPICES
CHILLI 30 30
TURMERIC 7 20
GARLIC 6 20
GINGER 4 9
Source- Indian Horticulture Data Base 2008, National Horticulture Board
But In India 30 to 40 percent of the vegetables being wasted as post harvest losses
have eventually resulted in producers receiving a very low price for their produce while at the
other end the consumers are compelled to pay a highly inflated price for their purchases.
There are 5100 cold storages in India but 60% of them are present in only 6 states and 83%
are for only potato, which is a major problem. Even transport costs to international markets
are 20 to 30% higher in India compared to other countries.
2.1 Present status of vegetable and spices industry in the state of Uttarakhand
With four agro climatic zones viz. Cold desert- Nilong valley, alpine zone- Gangi,
temperate- Dhanolty and Subtropical zone-Rishikesh Uttarakhand offers great opportunity for
sourcing of horticultural commodities due to its diverse agro climatic conditions, small size
land holding and cheap labours. Vegetables and spices produced can be sourced from the area
of abundance to supply them to the promising and profitable market. Substantial areas are
under vegetable cultivation both hilly areas and plains.
Uttarakhand offers great opportunity for sourcing of horticultural commodities due to
its diverse agro climatic conditions, small size land holding and cheap labours. Peas, potato
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
7/69
7 | P a g e
and tomato are major vegetables and ginger, turmeric, garlic and chilli are major spices being
produced in Uttarakhand. These commodities can be sourced from the area of abundance to
supply them to the promising and profitable market. The area under fruit cultivation is quite
high in Uttarkashi and, in almost all the hill regions, substantial areas are under vegetable
cultivation. The hill districts of Uttarakhand have diversified into the production of
condiments and spices like chillies, ginger, and garlic. Almora, Tehri, Champawat,
Pithoragrh etc seem to be the promising districts for its production. A wide range of agro
climatic conditions of the state are suitable for off-season production of vegetables for
sustainable income to farmers. Different offseason vegetables found are tomato, cauliflower
etc.
The area under vegetables is 80.584 thousand ha and production is 1036.2 thousand
MT. The average productivity is 12.9 MT/ha and area under spices is 3.3 thousand ha.
Production of spices is 2.9 thousand MT and average productivity is .9 MT/ha (Indian
Horticulture Data Base 2008, National Horticulture Board), which is low, and can be doubled
with the different technological interventions.
Traditional spices and vegetable supply chain in uttarakhand the engage in moving
vegetables from the producer to the consumer are prone to various sources of inefficiencies.
Farmers in vegetable producing areas are unable to attract competitive buyers. Many of the
farms are located in relatively isolated areas, a considerable distance from improved roads
making access to competitive markets difficult and costly. Lack of bargaining power along
with various credit bound relationships with the buyers has lead to farmers being exploited
during transaction, where most of the farmers become price takers. The structure of the
traditional vegetable supply chains is such that there are a large number of intermediaries
(e.g. vegetable collectors, transporting agents, commission agents etc.) between the producer
and the consumer. Addition of the marketing margins of all these intermediaries coupled with
almost 30 to 40 percent of the vegetables being wasted as post harvest losses have eventually
resulted in producers receiving a very low price for their produce while at the other end the
consumers are compelled to pay a highly inflated price for their purchases.
Agro-climatic conditions in hills are capable of supporting growth of variety of crop
plants. Thus, opportunities exist for intensification and diversification of agriculture to realize
yield potential of improved crop varieties. More than three-fourths of total population ofUttarakhand depends on agriculture for their livelihood and the economy is predominantly
dependent on mountain agriculture. However, the land holdings are small and fragmented and
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
8/69
8 | P a g e
irrigation facilities are limited. Soil and water conservation is another issue for inclusive
development. For physical, geographical and environmental reasons, the scope for
agricultural policies based on modern input-intensive agriculture is severely constrained in
the hill regions. As a result, the majority of the rural population in the hills either survives on
subsistence agriculture or migrates to other parts of the country for employment. The state
faces the challenge of promoting livelihoods to retain people through local employment and
income generation and to enhance their quality of life. At the same time, the hill districts of
Uttarakhand have tremendous potential. The vast natural resources add to the states
attractiveness as an investment destination, especially for tourism and agriculture- and forest-
based industries. Also, it is the first one to be called an organic state. Uttarakhand is primarily
an agricultural state although its share in the countrys total area and production is very small.
The contribution of agriculture to the states domestic product is about 22.4 per cent and the
population dependent on agriculture for their livelihood is about 75 to 85 per cent. The
development of the hills is primarily linked to the development of agriculture and its allied
activities. Since the hills are constrained in the development of large-scale industrialization,
and due to infrastructure constraints the development of the service sector is also constrained,
the growth and development of the agriculture sector remains the prime focus.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
9/69
9 | P a g e
Exhibit 2.1Prevailing supply chain structure in India and Uttaranchal
Farmers
Produce
Middle Men
(Wholesalers,
commission
Consumers
Processing
Plant
Mandi
Small Vegetable
Shops
Different processed
Products like Ketchup,
Puree, and Paste
Direct To
consumer
Direct SellingProcessor
Seed companies Fertilizer
companies
Plant protechtion
materials
Labors
Private money
lender
Institutional
lender
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
10/69
10 | P a g e
2.2 District Profile- Tehri Garhwal
Tehri garhwal district is situated in North West of Uttarakhand state and lies between
latitude 30.03 N and 30.30 N and longitude 77.56 E and 79.04 E. It is surrounded by
Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli ,Pauri Garhwal and Dehradun districts on North, North
East, North East, South and West respectively. The entire district is mountainous and altitude
ranges from 300 to 2250 meters. Bhagirathi, Bhilangana and Alakananda are main rivers of
this district and Yamuna forms the Western boundary of the district.
Total geographical area of the district is 4453 sq. Km. and the total population of the
district is 6.05 lakh, of which 94% i.e. 5.45 lakh comes under rural population. Population
density is 137 per square km. The district is comprises of 1776 inhabited villages. 69% of
total area is covered by forest and only 11% is under agriculture. The average per capita
availability of land is .11 ha or 5.5 nalis.
The district has 92 bank branches out of which 49 branches are of commercial banks,
19 branches are of Uttaranchal Gramin bank, 23 banks branches are of Tehri-Garhwal
District Central Cooperative bank and 1 branch is of U.P. Sharkari Gram Vikas Bank.Out of
1776 villages 1494 villages are having electricity and 1272 villages are having pucca roads.
There is no railway present in the district. There are 10 mandis and 78 godowns present in the
district but no coal storage facility is available.
Major crops grown in the districts are wheat, barley, potato, black gram,
lentil,mustard, pea, maize, ginger etc. Due to suitable climate this district has emerged as an
important vegetable growing area of the state. Vegetables grown in this area are potato,
tomato, cucumber, pumpkin, arbi, French bean, pea, onion, cauliflower, reddish etc.
Cultivation of off season vegetables is an important activity amongst the farmers of this
district. There are some pockets in the district like Satyun, Agrakhal, Mussorie Chamba belt,
Bhilangana valley etc. producing off season vegetables in good quantity.
Turmeric, ginger and chillies are few most important spices cultivated in the district.
Ginger is considered as one of the most important commodity of the reason. In Tehri Rio-De-
Jenario variety of ginger is cultivated. The crop is harvested in September-November months.
Nainbagh in Jaunpur block, Chowki Dagar in Kirtinagar block and Agar in Agrakhal block
are some of the major Ginger producing areas of the district. The produce are sold in local
markets and small merchants as well as to the bigger markets of Dehradun, Haridwar and
Delhi.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
11/69
11 | P a g e
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGYTo accomplish the objectives of the study, the following approach was adopted for the study.
1. AREA OF STUDYTehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand was the area of study. Two clusters in the district were
studied, namely-
1) Agrakhal2) Maletha
These clusters were chosen because most of the populations of these clusters are associated
with agriculture and they are associated with production and marketing of spices and
vegetables commercially.
2. RESEARCH DESIGNExploratory and Descriptive research design were used keeping in view the nature and scope
of the study.
3. DATA SOURCESBoth primary and secondary sources of information were used for the study.
Primary data sources:-This included farmers, traders, and government and corporate officials, NGO and
SHG members, bankers working in the concerned field. From farmers and traders
information regarding cost of marketing and problems faced during production and marketing
was collected. From government and corporate officials, NGOs and SHGs and bankers
information about the existing infrastructural facilities available, credit facilities, ongoing
schemes was collected.
Secondary data sources:-This included district PLPs State Focus Paper, government records, horticultural
database, internet, books, journals, research papers, and student thesis. From secondary
sources information about the work done in the past and the present status was collected and
was used as a base to formulate the present study.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
12/69
12 | P a g e
4. RESEARCH INSTRUMENTSWell structured questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions were used
as well as in-depth interviews were conducted.
5. SAMPLING PLAN5.1 Sampling units:-
Three types of sampling units were selected:-
Farmers. Bankers and government officials. Member of SHGs, farmer clubs and NGOs and traders.
5.2 Sampling technique:-
Farmers: sampling technique adopted was mixed of stratified random, judgmental and
snowball technique.
Bankers, member of SHGs, farmer clubs and NGOs: judgemental sampling was
followed with snowball technique.
For selection of farmers, a complete listing of all the villages of the cluster was done.
Sample was taken from all the villages depending on their association with cultivation of
spices and vegetables
6. SAMPLE SIZESample surveyed in the present study consisted of 60 farmers (30 from each cluster) and
no. of officials, NGO and SHG members vary according to the cluster.
7. DATA ANALYSISFirst the data was validated, classified, coded and tabulated. For Data Analysis
different statistical tools were used including percentage analysis, ratio method, means and
averages. Data were presented in the form of table, graphs and charts.
8. DURATION OF THE STUDYThe study was conducted from 8
thJuly 2009 to 31
stof July of 2009. The total duration
of the study was of eight weeks.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
13/69
13 | P a g e
9. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDYThe present study has been carried out systematically using scientific methodology.
Every care was taken to select the representative sample. The accuracy of the data was
ensured through cross-checks. However, few limitations pertinent in every socio-economic
survey may not be overruled though these limitations would hardly limit the relevance and
fidelity of the results derived. Some of the limitations in this study are as under:
1. Due to uneven topography and scattered households in the area studied the study wastime consuming even though sample size is small.
2. Use of Garhwali language by most of the villagers was impediment while conductingsurvey.
3. As the project was under NABARD, villagers expected financial gains/subsidy aswell as other help and often deviated from the concerned subject.
4. In few cases the opinion and views of the respondents were guided by the protocol oftheir respective organizations and their preconceived notions.
5. As no farm records were maintained by the sampled farmers, the data was, therefore,collected by survey method based on their memory power and past experience.
Though, due care was taken by cross checking the information, the possibility of few
slips from the memory of the respondents could not, however, be ruled out.
6. Most of the traders in the study markets did not cooperate to the extent desirable asthey were afraid of divulging their trade secrets.
7. Study is more applicable to the hilly areas of Uttaranchal. However some of thefindings can be generalized for the whole state of Uttarakhand.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
14/69
14 | P a g e
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSThe findings of the study are discussed below with the help of different tables and exhibits
4.1RESPONDENTS PROFILEThe surveyed respondents profiles are discussed below with the help of exhibits and tables.
Educational qualification of respondents in Agrakhal
Educational qualification of respondents in Agrakhal is shown below in Exhibit No 4.1.
Exhibit 4.1 educational qualification of respondents from Agrakhal
In Agrakhal cluster it was found that most of the respondents were either illiterate or
had studied only up to 10th class. Only one of the respondents was graduate. It was found
that educational qualification had no significant relation with production and marketing of
spices and vegetables in the cluster except few of the villagers other than the respondents quit
agriculture after doing higher studies.
ILLITERATE
23%
4TH PASS
7%
6 TH PASS
3%
8 TH PASS27%
10TH PASS
23%
12TH PASS
14%
GRADUATE
3%
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
15/69
15 | P a g e
Educational qualification of respondents in Maletha
Educational qualification of respondents in Maletha is shown below in Exhibit No 4.2.
Exhibit 4.2 educational qualification of respondents from Maletha
In Maletha cluster it was found that number of illiterates is comparatively less to that
of Agrakhal cluster. Twenty four percent of the respondents had studied up to sixth or eight
classes whereas twenty percent of the respondents studied up to 10th class. Seven of the
respondents were graduates and seventh were studied up to class twelve. It was found that
educational qualification had no significant relationship with production and marketing of
vegetables in the cluster except agriculture did not find favour with graduates. They preferred
to moving out of their villages in search of alternative employment.
Distribution of sample respondents according to land holding
Farmers here have been classified according to their total land holding. In Tablebelow farmers have been categorized according to the size of their land holdings in three
categories small, medium and large. The classification of farmers in Agrakhal is shown in
table 4.1 and the classification of farmers in Malethais shown in table 4.2.
ILLITERATE
10% 6 TH PASS
7%
8 TH PASS
17%
10TH PASS
20%
12TH PASS
23%
GRADUATE
23%
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
16/69
16 | P a g e
AGRAKHAL
Table 4.1 Distribution of sample respondents according to land holding in Agrakhal
Land holdings (hectare) Number of Farmers: Percentage
Up to 1 21 70
1 to 2 5 16.66
> 2 4 13.33
It is quite evident from table 4.1 that seventy per cent of farmers were having land
holding up to 50 nali i.e. one hectare, followed by sixteen point six per cent in case of land
holding between one to two hectare and thirteen percent of the respondents were having land
holding more than two hectare.
MALETHA
Table 4.2 Distribution of sample respondents according to land holding in Maletha
Land holdings (hectare) Number of Farmers: Percentage
Up to 1 21 70
1 to 2 4 13.33
> 2 5 16.66
It is quite evident from table that seventy per cent of farmers were having land
holding up to 50 nali i.e. one hectare, followed by sixteen point six per cent in case of land
holding more than two hectare and thirteen percent of the respondents were having land
holding between one and two hectare.
Leasing of land
In both the clusters formal leasing was practically absent. In Agrakhal clusters only
one respondent took land in verbal lease. The farmer is a large progressive farmer and having
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
17/69
17 | P a g e
large number of owned land too. In Maletha cluster five of the respondents took land on
verbal leasing. Out of them four respondents are Nepali farmers from Darjeeling and they do
not have their own land where as the remaining person was a farmer having his own land too.
4.2 AREA PROFILE
General information about the clusters studied and different villages situated in the
studied clusters are discussed below.
Agrakhal cluster-
The Agrakhal cluster is located at Rishikesh Chamba road, 92 km away from
district head quarter Tehri. It is 12 km away from the block office Narendranagar. There are
two local markets viz. Fakot and Agrakhal. Six villages come under this cluster. There are
four gram panchayats viz. Agar, Kasmoli, Bhetan and Bhingarki. The cluster is situated in
Narendranagar block of the Tehri Garhwal district. It falls under watershed Hewal and micro
watershed Bhinukhal. The details of the villages are shown below in table 4.3
Table 4.3general information on Agrakhal cluster
Source- Block Development Office, Narendranagar
Total land of the cluster is 628.48 ha; out of which 29.40% is under forest i.e. 184.77
ha, 4.27% under habitation, 1.17 % slopes, 1.25% is covered by water, 46% i.e. 287.438 ha
land is under agriculture, 11.86 other land and 6.05% is barren land 11.86 other land. Exhibit
4.3 shows the land use pattern in Agrakhal cluster.
VILLAGES P.O. FAMILY POPULATION TOTAL LAND(HA)
AGAR AGARKHAL 127 585 92.646
KASHMOLI AGARKHAL 90 352 72.113
BHINGARKI FAKOT 80 445 34.782
BHETON FAKOT 76 384 73.173
CHILOGI AGARKHAL 47 202 3.768
JANGLETH FAKOT 21 98 10.956
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
18/69
18 | P a g e
Exhibit 4.3 land use pattern of the cluster
Status of agriculture
Total agricultural land of the cluster is 287.434 ha. The average land holding is .65 ha
per family. About 97 percent of land holding is less than 1 ha. Total irrigated land is about
18.3 ha, which is only 6.3 percent of total agricultural area. Table 4.4 shows different crops
grown in Agrakhal cluster.
Table 4.4 crops and cropping season of Agrakhal cluster
29.40%
4.27%
3%
43%
11.86%
6.05%
1.25%1.17%
LAND USE UNDER
FOREST
HABITATION
IRRIGATED
UNIRRIGATED
OTHER LAND
BARREN
WATER COVERED
AREA
CROP SEASON
GINGER MARCH-NOV
TURMERIC MARCH-MARCH
GARLIC JAN/FEB-MAY/JUNE
PEA SEPT-DEC
RADISH JUNE-AUG
FRENCH BEAN 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
CABBAGE JUNE-AUG/SEPT
CAULIFLOWER JUNE-AUG/SEPT
ONION JAN/FEB-MAY/JUNE
CUCUMBER JULY-AUG/SEPT
PUMPKIN JUNE-AUG
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
19/69
19 | P a g e
Cropping pattern of the Agrakhal cluster
Table no. 4.5 shows the cropping pattern of followed in Agrakhal cluster.
Table 4.5 showing different crops grown in Agrakhal by different numbers of farmers
CROP NO. OF RESPONDENTS GROWING THE CROP
GINGER 30
TURMERIC 16
GARLIC 19
PEA 6
RADISH 8
FRENCH BEAN 8
CABBAGE 15
CAULIFLOWER 5
ONION 14
CUCUMBER 13
PUMPKIN 9
TOMATO 13
BRINJAL 7
POTATO 10
CHILLI 9
COLOCASIA 14
BOTTLE GOURD 2
From the table it can be observed that ginger is a crop which was grown in the cluster
by almost all the farmers. Other crops grown mostly in the cluster were turmeric, garlic,
TOMATO FEB/MARCH-JULY/AUG
BRINJAL 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
POTATO 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
CHILLI JULY/AUG-NOV/DECCOLOCASIA MARCH/APRIL-OCT/NOV
BOTTLE GOURD JUNE-AUG
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
20/69
20 | P a g e
cabbage, onion, colocasia or arbi etc. The preference for ginger and turmeric by most of the
farmers was on accounts of less water intake by the crops and low availability of water in the
region.
Climatic conditions in Agrakhal cluster
The altitude of the villages varies from 1340 metre to 1800 metre. The Agrakhal
market is situated in a height of 1550 metre. The uneven topography of the cluster results in
an unavoidable problem in spices and vegetable supply chain in terms of procurement,
marketing and infrastructure development due to transportation problems.
The temperature during summer varies from 22 degree Celsius to 35 degree Celsius
and in winter it varies from 0 to 20 degree Celsius, which accounts for suitable climate for
growing spices and vegetables in this area. The average annual rainfall is around 1600 mm.
80 percent of which falls in the monsoon season between June to September and 20 percent
in winter season between Decembers to February. Most of the farmers are dependent on
rainfall for cultivation and little change in rainfall pattern leads to huge reduction in
production of vegetables.
Frost is a common problem in the cluster commonly occurs between Decembers to
February.the region also hit by pre monsoon storms between April to June. The placeexperiences at an average 200 sunny days annually. Direct sunlight on the agricultural fields
also results in a bigger problem to the farmers.
Sleet and snow fall is another problem mainly affecting the production of spices and
vegetables in Kasmoli village of the cluster located in the higher ranges.
Soil and topography of the cluster
As mentioned earlier the cluster is topographically heterogeneous. This ranges from
1340 to 1800 metre from the sea level. It results in difficulty in transportation of produce. The
district horticulture department established one rope way to transport the spices and
vegetables from Kasmoli to the main road but that is not sufficient. There are villages like
Chillogi, Bhingarki etc. which are at a very lower hight compared to the main road and the
Agrakhal mandi. Even all the farmers from Kasmoli mainly small and marginal farmers do
not want to use the ropeway because of its location which is far away from the Agrakhal
mandi. The use of the trolley results in extra distance or extra transportation cost.
The soil types found here are mainly laterite, alluvial and colluvial. About 80 percent
of the soil is laterite soil. The soils are clay soil, loamy soil or mixture of both the types. The
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
21/69
21 | P a g e
soils are having good capacity to retain water. The top soil depth ranges from 7.5 cm to 30
cm in the cluster. Towards valleys the top soil depth increases. Some of the specific
characteristics of the soil found in the Agrakhal cluster are
Most of the soil found here is acidic. The humus availability in the soils is low. The soil is deficient of organic carbon. It is also deficient in nitrogen and potash. The soil is under acute infection from fungus The soil is also infected by presence of different soil pests and insects.
Status of irrigation in Agrakhal cluster
The main water source of the cluster is rainfall. Other sources of water are spring,
streams, naulas, rain water harvesting tanks etc. but most of them are dry and only few are
perennial. Scarcity of water is the main problem in the cluster not only for agricultural
purposes but also for domestic purposes. Four of the villages out of the 6 villages in the
cluster do not have regular drinking water facility.
Only 7.4 percent of the total agricultural land is under irrigation. The irrigated lands
are mainly located in the lower villages. The main channel of irrigation is canals, but most of
them are not functioning. Land sliding is a natural calamity responsible for the same.
Although few of the progressive farmers constructed some rain water harvesting tanks
for agricultural practices and even adopted practices like drip irrigation but most of them are
not capable of construction of costly tanks and besides farmers use the stored water for
domestic purposes also. The current status of irrigation in the different villages of the clusters
is shown below in table no 4.6.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
22/69
22 | P a g e
Table 4.6 information of irrigated land in Agrakhal
VILLAGES IRRIGATED(HA)
DRY
LAND(HA)
TOTAL
LAND(HA)
AGAR 4.258 88.388 92.646
KASHMOLI 3 69.113 72.113
BHINGARKI 3.358 31.424 34.782
BHETON 4.785 68.388 73.173
CHILOGI 2.966 0.802 3.768
JANGLETH 2.966 7.99 10.956
TOTAL 21.333 266.105 287.438
Source- Block Development Office, Narendranagar
Existing technologies and practices in Agrakhal
In this cluster traditional practices of production were practiced. Bullocks were used
for field preparation. Use of tractor or power tiller was not possible in the fields because of
slopes and hilly topography. In the cluster terrace farming was adopted and contours were
made for growing crops. Intercropping between ginger and turmeric and cucumber and maize
were common. The farmer used bigger size of propagation material for production of ginger,
according to them this practice helps to get more germination and more productivity
Other technologies present and used by the farmers included rope way for
transportation along with a Transition house provided by horticulture department, net house
to protect crop against sleet, Compost tanks, wooden and stone fencing etc.
The ropeway connected Kasmoli village to the main road. There was two baskets tied
with the rope in which produces are transferred. No fuel or power source is needed for
running the trolley. It runs mechanically.
Chakbandi was not practiced in the cluster because of hilly topography as well as
unequal water availability.
Maletha cluster-
The Maletha cluster is located at Devprayag Srinagar road, 52 km away from district
head quarter Tehri and 140 km away from the state capital Dehradun. It is 4 km away from
the block office Kirtinagar. There are two local markets viz. Kirtinagar and Srinagar. Six
villages comes under this cluster. They all comes under nyai panchayat Maletha. The cluster
is situated in Tehri Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand. It comes under the Tehsil
Devprayag. The details of the villages are given below in table 4.7.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
23/69
23 | P a g e
Table 4.7general information on Maletha cluster
VILLAGES NO. OF G.P. POPULATION
TOTAL AGRI
LAND (HA)
TOTAL
LAND(HA)
MALETHA MALETHA
1191(260
FAMILY) 124.514 312.4
MUNDOLI MUNDOLI 752 (160) 90.21 208.048
RAMPUR RAMPUR 284 (61) 13.682 42.807
JHAKHONI
GHIDIYAL GHILDIYAL 899 (203) 39.916 101.531
JIYALGARH JIYALGARH 272 (64) 14.344 46.8
SEMA GHILDIYAL 69 12.18 45.63
Total land of Maletha cluster is 757.216 ha, out of which 294.846 ha is under
agriculture. The average land holding per family is .385 ha. Total land of Jiyalgarh and
Maletha is 359.2 ha, out of which land under agriculture is 138.84 ha, and wasteland is
169.87 ha, under forest 50.49 ha. The land use pattern of the cluster is shown in exhibit 4.4.
Exhibit 4.4 land use pattern in jiyalgarh and Maletha
Climatic conditions in Maletha cluster
The altitude of the villages varies from 515 metre to 650 metre. The cluster can be
considered as having a plain topography.
14.04%
38.65%
47%
LAND USE PATTERN LAND
USE UNDER FOREST
LAND USE PATTERN
UNDER AGRICULTURE
LAND USE PATTERN
WASTELAND
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
24/69
24 | P a g e
The temperature during summer varies from 25 degree Celsius to 43 degree Celsius
and in winter it varies from 10 to 30 degree Celsius, which accounts for suitable climate for
growing spices and vegetables in this area mainly in winter. The average annual rainfall is
around 1200 to 1500 mm, most of which falls in the monsoon season between May to
October. The rainfall is low as compared to other places of the state. Most of the farmers are
dependent on rainfall for cultivation and little change in rainfall pattern leads to huge
reduction in production of vegetables despite of having different sources of irrigation.
Sleet is another problem mainly affecting the production of spices and vegetables in
different villages of the cluster.
Soil and topography of the cluster
As mentioned earlier the cluster is topographically homogeneous except the village
Mundoli located at a higher altitude. This ranges from 515 to 650 metre from the sea level. It
results in easy transportation of produce. Only absence of mandi in nearby area results in
higher transportation cost.
The soil types found here is mainly loamy sand soil. The water retention capacity is
medium. Some of the specific characteristics of the soil found in the Maletha cluster are
The soil fertility is heterogeneous. The soil is also infected by presence of different soil pests and insects.
Status of agriculture
Total land of Maletha cluster is 757.216 ha, out of which 294.846 ha is under
agriculture. The average land holding is .385 ha per family. About 90 percent of land holding
is less than 1 ha. Total irrigated land is about 48.635, which is only 16.49 percent of total
agricultural area. Table 4.8 shows different crops and their seasons grown in Maletha cluster.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
25/69
25 | P a g e
Table 4.8 crops and cropping season of Maletha cluster
CROP SEASON
CARROT OCT - NOV/DEC
OKRA MARCH-APRIL
CORIANDER OCTNOV
RAI JAN- FEB/MARCH
PALAK JAN/FEB-MARCH/APRIL
GARLIC JAN/FEB-MAY/JUNE
PEA SEPT-DEC
RADISH JUNE-AUG
FRENCH BEAN 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
CABBAGE JUNE-AUG/SEPT
CAULIFLOWER JUNE-AUG/SEPT
ONION JAN/FEB-MAY/JUNE
CUCUMBER JULY-AUG/SEPT
PUMPKIN JUNE-AUG
TOMATO FEB/MARCH-JULY/AUG
BRINJAL 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
POTATO 2-3 TIMES A YEAR
CHILLI JULY/AUG-NOV/DEC
Cropping pattern of the Maletha cluster
In Maletha cluster it was observed that onion, tomato, rai, spinach, okra, brinjal were
some of the vegetables mostly grown in Maletha cluster. The soil of the cluster was very
much suitable for these crops and there was good irrigation system present. Although in 2009
due to late monsoon there were scarcity of water in the cluster, but it was temporary. The
existing cropping pattern of Maletha cluster is shown in table 4.9.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
26/69
26 | P a g e
Table 4.9 different crops grown in Maletha by different numbers of farmers
CROP NO. OF FARMER GROWING THE CROP
CARROT 8
OKRA 21
CORIANDER 12
RAI 21
SPINACH 20
GARLIC 4
PEA 12
RADISH 14
FRENCH BEAN 20
CABBAGE 18
CAULIFLOWER 19
ONION 20
CUCUMBER 5
PUMPKIN 4
TOMATO 20
BRINJAL 14
POTATO 4
CHILLI 9
COLOCASIA 5
CAPSICUM 3
Status of irrigation in the Maletha cluster
The main source of irrigation in the cluster is the water channel collected water from
higher areas i.e. water cannel from Dangchoura. Other source of water is mainly rainfall.
Rain water harvesting tanks are rare. The fields are connected with concrete water channels
but during this season (May-June) most of them are dry and only little amount of water is
present in the main channel. Scarcity of water is the main problem in the cluster not only for
vegetable cultivation but for other agricultural purposes. The main source of drinking water is
tube well.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
27/69
27 | P a g e
Only 16.4 percent of the total agricultural land is under irrigation. The irrigated lands
are mainly located in the lower villages. The main channel of irrigation is canals, but most of
them are dry due to absence of rainfall in last few months.
Although few of the progressive farmers constructed some rain water harvesting tanks
for agricultural practices and even adopted practices like drip irrigation but most of the
farmers are not capable of constructing costly tanks and those whoever constructed such
tanks uses them for other grain crops like rice, mandua etc.
The general status of irrigation in the different villages of the clusters is presented below in
table 4.10.
Table 4.10 information of irrigated land in Maletha
Existing technologies and practices in Maletha
In this cluster also traditional techniques were used for production, transportation,
storage etc which are having very less significance. Bullocks were used for field preparation.
Use of tractor or power tiller was not possible in the fields because of slopes and hilly
topography. Use of power tiller was tried by some farmers but it was not successful. In this
cluster also terrace farming was adopted and contours were made for growing crops.
Other technology includes Wooden fencing, boundary of field made of stone,
parkunda, a practice of storing grasses and fodders by tying them on tree, Production of
organic manures by storing cow dung mixed with leafs and straw near roadside or field side,
wooden sticks are used for support in tomato etc.
VILLAGES IRRIGATED(HA)
DRY
LAND(HA)
TOTAL AGRI
LAND (HA)
MALETHA 29.317 99.197 124.514
MUNDOLI 3.896 86.314 90.21
RAMPUR 6.29 7.392 13.682
JHAKHONI
GHIDIYAL 0.556 39.36 39.916
JIYALGARH 7.473 6.871 14.344
SEMA 1.103 11.077 12.18
Total 48.635 250.211 294.846
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
28/69
28 | P a g e
Some of the unique practices followed in this cluster like appointment of a Person as a
guard or in local term bandrol against wild animals, appointment of a person for distribution
of irrigation water locally known as kulha, creation of mindal surrounding every contour
which is a small strip of land used to grow seedlings.
Chakbandi was not practiced in the cluster because of unequal soil fertility as well as
unequal water availability.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
29/69
29 | P a g e
4.3 INPUT SUPPLY FOR SPICES AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
The availability of different inputs for vegetable production plays an important role in
the vegetable supply chain in Uttarakhand. The existing situations studied in the clusters are
discussed below.
Seeds
Seeds supply and availability in Agrakhal is shown in table 4.11 along with sources and
prices.
Table 4.11information on seed suply in Agrakhal
CROP SEED
REQUIREM
ENT
SEED PRICE SEEDS SOURCE
GINGER LOCAL
TURMERIC LOCAL
GARLIC LOCAL/HORTICULTURE
PEA 50 KG/ Ha 160RS/KG NGO/DEHRADUN, VAR- ARKIL
RADISH DEHRADUN/CHAMBA
FRENCH
BEAN 70-80 KG/Ha DEHRADUN/CHAMBA
CABBAGE 500 GM /Ha 180 Rs/10 Gm HORTICULTURE/DEHRADUN
CAULIFLOWE
R 500 GM /Ha 60 RS/50 Gm DEHRADUN/CHAMBA
ONION 12.5KG/ Ha 400 Rs/Kg CHAMBA/HORTICULTURE
CUCUMBER
160 Rs/10 Gm
of seed HORTICULTURE
PUMPKIN 1 RS/SEED
HORTICULTURE/DEHRADUN,VA
R- MERO56
TOMATO 500 GM /Ha 225Rs/10gram HYBRID/CHAMBA
BRINJAL 150GM/Ha 150/50 Gm HYBRID/CHAMBA
POTATO 5000KG/Ha 15-20/KG HORTICULTURE, LOCAL
CHILLI HORTICULTURE
COLOCASIA LOCAL
BOTTLE
GOURD HORTICULTURE/DEHRADUN
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
30/69
30 | P a g e
Seeds are procured mainly from branch of horticulture department, Fakot. Seeds are
also given for demonstration by the department to the progressive farmers of the cluster.
There is no subsidy in seeds.
However some of the farmers purchases high quality hybrid seeds from Dehradun and
Chamba markets. Seeds are available at right time and there is no problem in supply of seeds.
In case of crops like Ginger and turmeric farmers use only local seeds i.e. seeds produced in
the last season.
Most of the farmers are unaware of the varieties name and importance but they are
cultivating whatever is available from horticulture department branch.
Seeds supply and availability in Maletha is shown in table 4.11 along with sources
and prices.
Table 4.12information on seed suply in Maletha
CROP
SEED
REQUIREMENT SEED PRICE SEEDS SOURCE
CARROTHORT. MOBILE
TEAM
OKRAHORT. MOBILE
TEAM
CORIANDERHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
RAIHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
PALAKHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
GARLIC SRINAGAR
PEA 50 KG/ Ha 160RS/KGHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
RADISHHORT. MOBILE
TEAM
FRENCH BEAN 70-80 KG/HaHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
31/69
31 | P a g e
CABBAGE 500 GM /Ha 180 Rs/10 GmHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
CAULIFLOWER 500 GM /Ha 60 RS/50 GmHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGARONION 12.5KG/ Ha 400 Rs/Kg SRINAGAR
CUCUMBER160 Rs/10 Gm of
seed
HORT. MOBILE
TEAM
PUMPKIN 1 RS/SEEDHORT. MOBILE
TEAM
TOMATO 500 GM /Ha 225Rs/10gram
SRINAGAR,
CHAMBA,SHIMLA,
DEHRADUN
BRINJAL 150GM/Ha 150/50 Gm
SRINAGAR,
CHAMBA,
SHIMLA,
DEHRADUN
POTATO 5000KG/Ha 15-20/KGHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
CHILLISRINAGAR,
CHAMBA, SHIMLA
COLOCASIALOCAL, HORT.
MOBILE TEAM
CAPSICUMHORT. MOBILE
TEAM, SRINAGAR
Seeds are procured mainly from branch of horticulture department As well as Srinagar
market. Almost all the farmers in Jiyalgarh purchases high quality hybrid seeds from Srinagar
market in black. According to them seeds from markets are more reliable and also available
at time. According to the farmers of the cluster they are not getting required seed at right time
at right price. The seeds from horticulture department are also not very much reliable. Few
progressive farmers also buy seeds from Dehradun, Camba and Himachal Pradesh.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
32/69
32 | P a g e
Fertilizers
Fertilizer consumption, supply and availability in Agrakhal and Maletha cluster was studied
and the findings are presented below.
Exhibit 4.5Fertilizer consumption in Agrakhal
Exhibit 4.5 shows that organic manures and cow dung are mostly used in the cluster.
Only about 20% of the farmers used urea, DAP and Potash. Organic manures are produced in
the households itself and cow dung is the major nutrient source.
According to farmers of the cluster organic manure and cow dung are very effective
and also it saves lots of expenditure. Those farmers uses urea, potash and DAP purchase them
from cooperative mini bank.
Organic manure80%
Urea ,DAP
10%
Urea ,DAP,
Potash
10%
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
33/69
33 | P a g e
Fertilizer consumption, supply and availability in Maletha
Exhibit 4.6 Fertilizer consumption in Maletha
Exhibit 4.6 shows that organic manures and cow dung are mostly used in this cluster
too. Only about 30%-40% of the farmers used urea, DAP and Potash. Organic manures are
produced in the households itself and cow dung is the major nutrient source. Cow dung
mixed with straw and leaves are kept near road sides which are used afterwards in the field.
According to farmers of the cluster organic manure and cow dung are very effective
and also it saves lots of money. Those farmers uses urea, potash and DAP purchase them
from cooperative mini bank and Srinagar market.
60%
3%
20%
17%
Organic manure UREA Urea ,DAP Urea ,DAP, Potash
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
34/69
34 | P a g e
Plant protection materials
Present status of plant protection materials supply and availability in Agrakhal cluster is
discussed below.
Plant protection materials, including mainly plant protection chemicals are used by
53% of the farmers. The materials are available from the horticulture mobile team, Fakot.
There was 50% subsidy in all plant protection materials provided by the department of
horticulture. Few of the farmers buy it from Dehradun market. But there is a major problem
regarding use of Different plant protection materials due to lack of know how. Sometimes
misguidance leads to wrong application of plant protection chemicals and it results in
damaging crops or complete crop failure. In table 4.13 different chemicals used in the cluster
is shown.
Table 4.13 Plant protection materials supply and availability in Agrakhal
Exhibit 4.7 showing percentage of farmers using plant protection material
53%
47%
NO. OF FARMER USING P.P. MATERIAL
NO. OF FARMER NOT USING P.P. MATERIAL
P.P. MATERIAL NO. OF FARMERS SOURCE
INDOFIL Z-78 4 HORTMOBILE TEAM.
DIETHANIUM-14 7 HORTMOBILE TEAM.
BAVISTIN 12 HORTMOBILE TEAM.
INDOFIL M-45 3 HORTMOBILE TEAM, DEHRADUN.
TATA TRACEL 1 DEHRADUN
NET 1 HORTMOBILE TEAM.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
35/69
35 | P a g e
Plant protection materials supply and availability in Maletha cluster is discussed below.
Plant protection materials, including mainly plant protection chemicals are used by only 37%
of the farmers. The materials are available from the horticulture mobile team, Kirtinagar.
There was 50% subsidy in all plant protection materials provided by the department of
horticulture. Few of the farmers purchase it from Chamba and Dehradun markets. But there is
a major problem regarding utilisation of different plant protection materials due to lack of
know how in farmers about how to apply, how much to apply, when to apply etc. Sometimes
misguidance leads to wrong application of plant protection chemicals and it results in
damaging crops or complete crop failure. Few of the farmers taking land in verbal leasing are
also facing problem because they are not getting plant protection materials from horticulture
mobile unit. In exhibit 4.8 percentages of farmers utilising plant protection materials are
shown and in table 4.13 different chemicals used in the cluster is shown.
Exhibit 4.8 showing percentage of farmers using plant protection material
Table 4.14 Plant protection materials supply and availability in Maletha
37%
63%
NO. OF FARMER USING P.P. MATERIAL
NO. OF FARMER NOT USING P.P. MATERIAL
P.P. MATERIAL
NO. OF
FARMERS SOURCE
INDOFIL Z-78 5 HORTMOBILE TEAM, CHAMBA
DIETHANIUM-
14 4 HORTMOBILE TEAM.
BAVISTIN 8
HORTMOBILE TEAM, CHAMBA,
DEHRADUN
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
36/69
36 | P a g e
Labour
In Agrakhal cluster most of the farmers employed only family labour for spices and
vegetable production and marketing. About seventy five to eighty percent of the farmers
employ only family labour where as ten to thirteen percent of the farmers used to work
collectively in the field along with the family labour. Only about ten percent of the farmers
went for hired labour. Exhibit 4.9 shows percentages of different labour in Maletha cluster
Per day charge or wage charged by hired labour in Agrakhal was Rs.70. Most of
the hired labours are from local villages. Others are Nepali people resides in that cluster,
however there was no problem in availability of labours round the year in the cluster.
Exhibit 4.9 showing percentage of different types of labour utilisation
.
In Maletha cluster the farmers employed different types of labours for spices and
vegetable production and marketing. Only about twenty percent of the farmers employed
ONLY FAMILY
LABOUR77%
LOCAL LABOR,
HIRED LABOUR
10%
COLLECTIVE
LABOUR
13%
INDOFIL M-45 5
HORTMOBILE TEAM, DEHRADUN,
CHAMBA
TATA TRACEL 4 DEHRADUN, CHAMBA
CARBONDAZIM 1 CHAMBA
BENGARD 2 CHAMBA, DEHRADUN
CHLOR GUARD 2 CHAMBA, DEHRADUN
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
37/69
37 | P a g e
only family labour where as thirty percent of the farmers used to work collectively with other
families in the field which is locally termed as Padiyal. About twenty five percent of the
farmers went for hired labour from local villages and about twenty five percent of the farmers
hired Nepali labours resides in that cluster. Exhibit 4.10 shows percentages of different
labour in Maletha cluster.
Per day charge or wage charged by hired labour in Agrakhal was Rs.60 to Rs.70.
farmers of the cluster mentioned that there is no problem in getting hardworking and skilful
labours.
Exhibit 4.10 showing percentage of different types of labour utilisation
ONLY FAMILY
LABOR
21%
LOCAL LABOUR
26%NEPALI LABOUR
24%
ONLY FAMILY
AND PADIYAL
29%
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
38/69
38 | P a g e
4.4 PRESENT STATUS OF CREDIT DISBURSEMENT IN STUDY AREAS
Credit availability is one of the important issues for spices and vegetable growers. The
main source of institutional credit available in the study areas were SBI and Cooperative Mini
Bank branches. There were no microfinance institutions in those areas other than the bank
branches.
State Bank of India
The rate of interest for agricultural loan in SBI is seven percent. The documentations needed
for getting loans are:
i. No due certificate from BDO, chairman of cooperative society, the grampradhan and the patwari.
ii. A copy of kisaan bahi issued from the tehsil consists of informationregarding land holding of the applicant in different places of the cluster.
Ownership of land of the farmer is taken in to account in order to disburse
the credit.
Loans are also provided to SHGs along with the subsidies provided by the block office
through block office. The ownership of land for each member of the SHG is checked in order
to issue the credit.
Cooperative Mini Bank, Fakot
The bank provides general banking facilities as well as crop loan and inputs like
fertilizer, pesticides, seeds etc. to the member farmers. Members should have land in the
mentioned areas and should be above 18 years age. The source of fund for the institute is
DCB/ NABARD. Documentation needed to get a loan from this bank includes-
i. A pro note to the bankii. Guarantoriii. Should have share of the bank. Loan amount issued use to be nearly 20
times of the share value.
iv. A copy of kisaan bohi issued from the tehsil consists of informationregarding land holding of the applicant in different places of the cluster.
Ownership of land of the farmer is taken in to account in order to disburse
the credit.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
39/69
39 | P a g e
The limit to the amount of credit for crop loan is decided by the office of district
agriculture officer or district horticulture officer for particular amount of land and crop as per
the scale of finance for the crop, which the farmer intends to grow. The loan is given in the
form of cash and kind as some of the inputs are provided in place of cash by the bank and
sometimes seeds are provided by district horticulture office and the bank pay them the
money.
The interest rate is 10%. Out of that three percent is pay backed by NABARD and
two percent is pay backed by Uttarakhand government as subsidies. Only five percent of the
interest is to be backed by the farmer.
Agrakhal
In Agrakhal almost all the people are aware about credit facilities available. But many of
them were having different types of misconceptions regarding interest rates, formalities,
documentations etc. There were two bank branches, State Bank of India, Fakot and
Cooperative Mini Bank, Fakot which are the main source of institutional credit source in the
area. Only about thirty percent of the farmers were taken credit from these institutes. Nearly
ten percent of the farmers took credit from SBI branch. The main reasons due to which
farmers are not availing credits are mentioned below-
1. High rate of interest.2. Too much of formalities and documentation to be done to get those facilities.3. High amount of cost of credit. It is due to the commission to be paid to the bankers
which is about fifteen to twenty percent of the credit amount.
4. Misbehaviour of bankers, especially in SBI, Fakot.5. Risks of crop failure due water scarcity, wild animal attack, frost, sleet, pest and
diseases etc.
6. Risk of transportation, storage, price fluctuation etc.Maletha
In Maletha about fifty percent of the people are aware about credit facilities available.
Others were unaware of the formalities as well as facilities provided. Many farmers were
having different types of misconceptions regarding interest rates, formalities, documentations
etc. There were three bank branches, State Bank of India, Kirtinagar, Cooperative Mini Bank,Kirtinagar and Tehri Garhwal Sharkari Bank, Kirtinagar which are the main source of
institutional credit source in the area. Only about twenty percent of the farmers were taken
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
40/69
40 | P a g e
credit from these institutes. The main reasons due to which farmers are not taking credits are
mentioned below-
1. Unawareness about credit facilities.2. High rate of interest.3. Too much of formalities and documentation to be done to get those facilities.4. High amount of cost of credit. It is due to the commission to be paid to the
bankers which is about fifteen to twenty percent of the credit amount.
5. Misbehaviour of bankers.6. Risks of crop failure due water scarcity, wild animal attack, frost, sleet, pest and
diseases etc.
7. Risk of transportation, storage, price fluctuation etc.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
41/69
41 | P a g e
4.5 ONGOING PROJECTS IN THE STUDIED AREAS
Ongoing government schemes in Agrakhal are:
Integrated Watershed Development Project, Bhinukhal micro watershedThis
is a project going on in Agrakhal under NABARD. The associated NGO working in this area
is Society for Rural Technology. Different works under this project have been done which
includes construction of check dams, construction of percolation tanks, construction of stone
wall etc for soil conservation. Forestation, fodder plantations were also done under the
project for soil conservation. The NGO also distributed different tree seedlings to the farmers
and also intervened new crop i.e. pea, variety- arkil in the area under the project. The project
in turn helped the spices and vegetable farmers of the cluster by providing improved
infrastructure as well as input like pea seeds and information.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme- this is a scheme under Indian
government in which rural people are given minimum employment of 100 days. In Agrakhal
under this schemes construction of stone walls and percolation tanks are going on. Because of
this project there was reduction in disguised labour in the cluster.
Swajjal- It is a scheme under collaboration Indian government and World Bank
which is for providing drinking water facility to the villagers. Under this scheme hand pumps
were installed in agrakhal. The project added to the infrastructure of the cluster and also
indirectly provided better living conditions to the farmers.
Ongoing government schemes in Maletha are:
Rural Technology Training and Demonstration Centre- it is a centre for
demonstration of new technologies, practices etc to the villagers and farmers under G.B. Pant
Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development. Where poly houses, WHTs were
constructed and demonstrated as well as procedure of different agricultural practices wasshown to the farmers of the cluster. It helped in the information and knowledge transfer. But
the centre is not functioning well because of lack of maintenance in that area.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme- this is a scheme under Indian
government in which rural people are given minimum employment of 100 days. In Maletha
under this schemes construction of stone walls, rain water harvesting tanks were done as well
as forestation was done. Because of this project there was reduction in disguised labour in the
cluster.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
42/69
42 | P a g e
Collection and distribution centre- it was established for agricultural produce in
Maletha, but it is not functioning till now.
IFFCO selected some villages of the cluster and did 3 years demonstration programs
related to cultivation of different agricultural crops including vegetable crops. The institute
also provided improved inputs to the farmers of the cluster.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
43/69
43 | P a g e
4.6 STATUS OF POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT
Picking and assembling
Picking or harvesting is the process of removing the vegetable from the main plant or
from soil. In both the clusters it was done manually.
Assembling of the product at one place is one of the important post harvest practice
performed by the spices and vegetable growers in the study area. The mode of assembling in
both the cluster was manual and place of assembling was the field itself or the home places of
farmers.
Cleaning
Assembling was followed by the cleaning operation. Generally, producers performed
cleaning operation only in ginger and turmeric in Agrakhal. The products are washed and
then dried under the sun. It was done in the field itself or in the households. In Maletha
tomato and capsicum were cleaned in the field itself by the farmers. They wash the produce
in the water channels present in the field for irrigation. In both the clusters farmers used to
remove the outer leaves to make these vegetables attractive and to give fresh look.
Grading and sorting
Grading is one of the most important post harvest practice from the market point of
view as it helps to fetch higher prices of produce. However, grading operation, as such, was
not common in almost all vegetable commodities in the study area except for few farmers.
Instead of grading sorting is carried out by the producer. Sorting is done mostly in the field
itself or in the households. Table 4.10 displays major characters considered for
grading/sorting of spices and vegetables.
Table 4.15 sorting of spices and vegetables in the studied clusters
CROP MEANS OF SORTING CHARACTER CONSIDERED
Carrot Manual Insect and pest infection
Okra Manual Insect and pest infection
Coriander Manual Colour, dryness
Rai Manual Colour, dryness
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
44/69
44 | P a g e
Palak Manual Colour, dryness
Garlic Manual Insect and pest infection
Pea Manual Insect and pest infection
Radish Manual Insect and pest infection
French bean Manual Insect and pest infection
Cabbage Manual
Compactness of head, insect/disease
infection
Cauliflower Manual
Curd color, compactness, mould
growth, insect /disease infection
Onion Manual Insect and pest infection
Cucumber Manual Insect and pest infection
Pumpkin Manual Insect and pest infection
Tomato Manual Insect and pest infection, colour
Brinjal Manual Insect and pest infection
Potato Manual Insect and pest infection
Chilli Not done
Colocasia Manual Insect and pest infection
Capsicum Manual Insect and pest infection, colour
Ginger Manual Fungal growth
Turmeric Manual Insect and pest infection
Bottle gourd Manual Insect and pest infection
Packaging
Packaging is one of the important and necessary functions performed in the marketing
process. This is done just after sorting. Packaging was done manually for all spices and
vegetables. Generally plastic crates and gunny bags were used as packaging material for most
of the spices and vegetables. Plastic crates were reusable and durability of these was 2-3
years. The cost of plastic crates varied from Rs.130 to Rs.150 per unit. The cost of gunny bag
varied according to their capacity and average costs came out to be Rs.7 to 10 per KG. Table
4.11 shows the packaging material used for different vegetables of both the clusters along
with their capacity, cost, and extent of reuse.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
45/69
45 | P a g e
Table 4.16 packaging of spices and vegetables in the studied clusters
CROP MATERIAL COST EXTENT OF USE
CARROT
GUNNY BAG,
PLASTIC CRATE
Rs.7-10/ KG.
130-150/ UNIT
ONE TIME
2-3 TEAR
OKRA GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CORIANDER GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
RAI GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
PALAK GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
GARLIC GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
PEA GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
RADISH
GUNNY BAG,
PLASTIC CRATE
Rs.7-10/ KG.
130-150/ UNIT
ONE TIME
2-3 TEAR
FRENCH BEAN GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CABBAGE GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CAULIFLOWER
GUNNY BAG,
PLASTIC CRATE
Rs.7-10/ KG.
130-150/ UNIT
ONE TIME
2-3 TEAR
ONION GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CUCUMBER GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
PUMPKIN GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
TOMATO PLASTIC CRATE 130-150/ UNIT 2-3 TEAR
BRINJAL PLASTIC CRATE 130-150/ UNIT 2-3 TEAR
POTATO GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CHILLI PLASTIC CRATE, 130-150/ UNIT 2-3 TEAR
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
46/69
46 | P a g e
GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
COLOCASIA GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
CAPSICUM PLASTIC CRATE 130-150/ UNIT 2-3 TEAR
BOTTLE GUARD GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
GINGER GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
TURMERIC GUNNY BAG Rs.7-10/ KG. ONE TIME
Transportation
Quick and efficient transportation is the main step towards good marketing systems.
Vegetables being highly perishable in nature require quick disposal to avoid spoilage and loss
in quality which need efficient network of transportation. Generally, all producers transported
their produce from field to home place manually. However, they used different means of
transportation to carry their produce up to the market for sale. The producers who sold their
produce directly to the retailers shop carried their produce on head loads adopted mostly by
small farmers. Generally, producers selling their produce directly to the consumers by door to
door sale method used this mode of transportation. The means of transportation adopted by
producers for marketing in study area have been discussed below.
Transportation in Agrakhal
In this cluster due to uneven topographic condition transportation is a major problem.
Most of the farmers have to carry the produce manually or with the help of mule. Horticulture
department provided one rope way system from Kasmoli to the main road but most of the
farmers do not use it because the end point of the ropeway is far from Agrakhal mandi as well
as local markets and if they will use the system also they have to carry the produce manually
to the markets. Only those farmers who produce large amount of spices and vegetables can
hire a truck or jeep from the end point of the ropeway.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
47/69
47 | P a g e
Table 4.17 Means of transportation for different vegetable commodities in Agrakhal
Exhibit 4.11 mode of transportation in Agrakhal
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Manual mule Jeep bus Truck
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
No. of farmers
Mode of transportation No. of farmers destination
Manual 30 Main road, Agrakhalmandi, local
market
Mule 19 Main road, Agrakhalmandi, local
market
Jeep 9 Agrakhalmandi, local market,
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
Bus 9 Agrakhalmandi, local market,
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
Truck 7 Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
48/69
48 | P a g e
Transportation in Maletha
In this cluster transportation is not a problem. Jeeps, buses and trucks are easily
available to carry the produce. To carry vegetables in a large quantity to Rishikesh mandi
trucks charges Rs. 10- 15 per unit of crate or gunny bag. To cell to the local markets and
village retailers farmers uses mostly jeeps and trackers as well as line buses. Producers
selling their produce directly to the consumers by door to door sale method use bicycles.
Table 4.18 Means of transportation for different vegetable commodities in Maletha
Exhibit 4.12 mode of transportation in Maletha
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Manual bicycle Jeep/
trackers
bus Truck
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
No. of farmers
Mode of transportation No. of farmers destination
Manual 30 Main road, home
Bicycle 14 Local markets, home to home
delivery, local retailers
Jeep/ trackers 27 Local market, Srinagar,
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
Bus 19 Local market, Srinagar,
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
Truck 12 Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
49/69
49 | P a g e
Storage
Scientific storage was not available in any of the cluster. No storage practice was
adopted by the growers. All farmers sold their produce just after harvesting. In case of sale to
mandi, the produce was harvested previous day evening or in the same day early morning. In
case of selling to retailers shop or to local markets, they harvested their produce in the same
day. Few of the farmers in both the clusters used Amber and 2000-64 variety of tomato,
which were having longer shelf life. They stored such tomatoes in their home place after
harvesting for up to 15 days in normal condition.
Processing
There were no processing units present in any of the cluster. Farmers are unaware of
the benefits from processing. No processing is done for any commodity in any of the cluster.
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
50/69
50 | P a g e
4.7 MARKETINGISSUES AND PROBLEMS
Marketing is one of the most important part of the whole supply chain. Efficient
marketing can help in increasing supply chain efficiency and profitability as a whole. The
marketing issues and problems observed in the studied areas are mentioned below.
Agrakhal
In Agrakhal local markets are Fakot and Agrakhal. There is a mandi i.e. Agrakhal mandi
run by Agrakhal mandi parishad. Forty percent of the farmers sell their produces in that
mandi. But the capacity of the mandi is less due to which it cannot accommodate the produce
of large farmers. This is the reason for which large farmers need to go for larger mandis of
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun etc. It increases transportation cost as well as decreases
profit. About 30 % of the farmers sell their produces in larger mandis like Rishikesh,
Haridwar, Dehradun etc. Other farmers sell their produce in the local markets and villages.
Now-a-days Participation of farmers club and SHGs initiated collective negotiation
process and it increases the bargaining power of the farmers.
Contract farming is not present in the cluster; only local mandi sometimes participated in
such practices in very small scale.
Proportion of produce sold in different markets in Agrakhal is shown below with the help of
exhibit 4.13
Exhibit 4.13 Proportion of produce sold in different markets in Agrakhal
30%
40%
30%
LOCAL VILLAGES/ MARKETS AGRAKHAL MANDI
RISHIKESH/DEHRADUN MANDI
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
51/69
51 | P a g e
Maletha
In Maletha local markets are Srinagar and Kirtinagar. The main problem of marketing in
this cluster is absence of any nearby mandi. About fifty five percent of the farmers sell their
products in Srinagar market directly to the retailers. About fifteen to twenty percent of the
farmers sell their product in the Kirtinagar market or local villages and other thirty percent of
the farmers sell their product in the far mandis of Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun.
The shopkeepers of local markets were the major buyers of different vegetable
commodities and because of that those retailers were having high bargaining power it in turn
reduces the bargaining power of the farmers and compelled them to sell their produce at
lower prices. In this cluster participation of NGO or SHGs in the marketing process is
negligible and so collective negotiation is totally absent. Small quantity of produce per farmer
is another reason for low bargaining power of the farmers.
There is a newly opened collection cum distribution centre for agricultural
commodities in Maletha. But it is still not working and also people of the cluster were having
lower expectations from the centre because of its smaller size as well as distance from
different villages.
Contract farming was absent in the cluster.
Proportions of produce sold in different markets in Maletha are shown below in exhibit
no 4.14.
Exhibit 4.14 Proportion of produce sold in different markets in Maletha
16%
57%
27%
LOCAL VILLAGES/ MARKETS SRINAGAR MARKET
RISHIKESH/DEHRADUN MANDI
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
52/69
52 | P a g e
Common channels of marketing in the studied clusters
There were three common channels of marketing in both the clusters i.e. Agrakhal
and Maletha. Those were from producers to the mandi, from producers to retailers and from
producers to consumers.
In Agrakhal farmers sold their produce both in Agrakhal mandi as well as far mandis
like Rishikesh ,Haridwar and Dehradun mandi. In Maletha due to absence of any nearby
mandi produce were sold to far mandis like Rishikesh ,Haridwar and Dehradun mandi.
Farmers in Agrakhal also sold their produce to the local retailers. This type of channel
was common in Maletha because due to absence of mandi nearby most of the farmers liked to
sell their produce to the retailers of Kirtinagar and Srinagar. They also sold their produce to
the local retailers of their villages.
In both the clusters many of the farmers sold their produce in the villages, directly to
the consumers. This channel is very much efficient for producers as well as consumers
because it results in producers receiving good prices for their produce as well as consumers
paying lower prices. But this channel was having lower capacity to accommodate huge
amount of vegetables and spices produced by the farmers of the clusters.
Exhibit 4.15 Common channels of marketing in the studied clusters
production
asembling/cleaning
sorting/grading
transport
producer
auction
manditransport
store
sell
retailer
consumes
consumer
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
53/69
53 | P a g e
4.8 RISK AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Risk is associated with every step from production to marketing of vegetables and
spices. Crop failure results in huge losses of farmers. In both the study areas people were
suffered from different problems which leads to partial or complete crop failure as well as
receiving fewer prices for their produce. In those areas people should go for crop insurances
as risk mitigation measure but farmers of Agrakhal as well as Maletha were not aware of the
same. In those areas facilities for crop insurances were also not available
AGRAKHAL
i. Production risk-it includes weather risk, risk due to wild animals, pest anddiseases etc. there were huge losses in production due to these problems. Weather
risk includes availability of rain at cropping season, amount of direct sunlight,
frost; sleet etc. water scarcity is a major problem in the cluster and lack of rainfall
may even leads to crop failure. Wild animals are also a major problem in the
cluster. Feeding on the vegetables and destroying the fields by wild animals were
common in the area. Wild animals even attacks villagers and because of that many
of the farmers even quit growing crops in some of their fields. Direct sunlight for
long period in Kasmoli is also a problem for the vegetable growers. Sleet and frost
are common natural problem leads to reduction in production.
ii. Marketing risk- it includes risk associated with storage, transportation and poorinformation system as well as price fluctuation of commodities. Due to lack of
storage facilities in the cluster farmers cannot store the harvested produce for long
which in turn compelled them to sell their product at whatever price they get.
Many a times there were huge losses due to this. Transportation is another
problem in marketing due to hilly topographic condition. Lack of proper
information system leads farmer to sell their product in the mandi at ongoing price
irrespective of their wish.
iii. Credit risk- people are unaware of the procedures and facilities of institutionalcredit. So they go for private money lenders for credit which compels them to pay
high rate of interest.
Mitigation measures are followed by only by few farmers and those are mainly related
to the production risk. Mitigation measures include construction of water harvesting
tanks, roof water harvesting tanks etc against problem of water scarcity. Few of the
farmers used net to save crops and seedling from sleet. Against the storage problem few
8/2/2019 Vegetable Supply Chain- NABARD-Gharwal
54/69
54 | P a g e
farmers grow variety with long shelf-life like for tomato. For example some of the
varieties are amber, 64-2000 etc.
MALETHA
i. Production risk-it includes weather risk, risk due to wild animals, pest anddiseases etc. there were huge losses in production due to these problems. Weather
risk includes availability of rain at cropping season, sleet etc. water scarcity is a
major problem in the cluster and lack of rainfall may even leads to crop failure.
Wild animals are also a major problem in the cluster. Feeding on the vegetables
and destroying the fields by wild animals were common in the area. Another
probl