Abstract:
Potato plays a significant role in increasing food security and income of the farmers of
Bangladesh. It is an important vegetable for its commercial and nutritional value in the
world as well as in Bangladesh. The marketing channel of potato is not well organized in
Bangladesh.This study was carried out to analyze the existing potato marketing channel
considering value addition and net margin conducted by the intermediaries.In order to
make an assessment of the marketing channel of potato, the study was conducted in
Shirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj district. Primary data were collected during the period
from February to April, 2020 through face to face interview with potato growers and potato
traders using structured survey schedule.Thirty potato producers, 80 value chain actors
(Faria, Bepari, wholesaler and retailer) were selected for the study. The study found four
actors between producer and consumer. They wereFaria, Bepari, wholesaler and retailer.
Besides, marketing of potato produced in Shirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganjwas moved
from the hands of producers to the hands of consumers through four separate
supplychains.Total cost per 100 kg of potato cultivation with marketing cost was Tk.
988.33. Besides, gross margin and net return were Tk. 553.38 and Tk. 149.17 respectively
for 100kg of potato.In the channel, the highest value (3.20 Tk/kg) was added by wholesaler
and the lowest value (1.29 Tk/kg) was added by Faria of the total value addition. Besides,
wholesaler made lowest marketing margin (0.50 Tk/kg) where retailer made highest
marketing margin (1.13 Tk/kg) among the actors.The present study found some problems
of the existing potato production and marketing system, such as potato growers did not get
fair price due to lack of economic storage facilities, existence of stronger middlemen,
inefficient transportation facilities, lack of proper marketing information and urgent
requirement of money immediately after the potato harvesting period by the farmers. Based
on the findings of the present study, it was recommended that credit facilities, timely supply
of inputs, application of modern production and postharvest technologies andstability of
price should be ensured along with the provision of storage, transport and market facilities.
Description:
A thesis submitted to
The Department of Agribusiness and Marketing,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
AGRIBUSINESS AND MARKETING
SEMESTER: JULY-DECEMBER, 2020
