ECONOMICS OF VALUE ADDED MUSHROOM PRODUCTION AND MARKETING: A STUDY AT THE FARMERS AND CONSUMERS LEVEL OF DHAKA DISTRICT

Abstract

The present study was designed to analysis the Economics of Value Added Mushroom Production and Marketing channel. The study area were farmers and consumers level of Dhaka district. Primary data were collected from 30 farmers; 30 market agents and 30 consumers. Secondary data were collected from books, journal and internet. Both tabular and statistical analyses were applied in this study. The major findings of the study revealed that mushroom production is highly profitable and the demand of fresh mushroom is increasing day by day in the study area. The average production cost of fresh mushroom was Tk. 145 per kg. The average gross return was Tk. 240 per kg. The gross margin of fresh mushroom was Tk 105.48 per kg. The benefit cost ratios (BCR) for fresh mushroom was 1.66.For dry and powder mushroom in case of producer the BCR were 1.28 and 1.31 respectively. Mushroom value chain actors were input suppliers, producers, traders, processors and consumers. There were four mushroom market channels in the study area. The value addition for fresh, dry and powder mushroom at production level were 65.52%, 28.15%, % and 30.64% respectively. 53% consumers were medium knowledge about mushroom. 73% consumers were showing attitude towards a favorable food of mushroom. But 53% consumers were still purchasing mushroom very poorly. With SWOT analysis there was a strong possibility and opportunity to spread the mushroom market. Based on the results it can be concluded that, demographic, cultural, socio- economic and institutional factors influence mushroom value chain. It was revealed that rich and middle income group people were the main mushroom customers. The study also identified some shortcomings faced by the farmers and market agents and suggested some recommendations to improve the present situation and made an advanced economic environment by giving the financial facility, training, good quality of spawn from the government and non-government bodies and also creates more awareness about mushroom.