Marketable surplus and supply chain analysis of walnut in Jammu & Kashmir

This article investigated into the marketable surplus and supply chain of walnut in Kashmir region of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Results revealed that this crop occupied a major proportion (35.93%) of gross cropped area in the study area. The overall marketable surplus was 92.56 per cent of the total walnut production; after accounting for field/harvesting losses. Only 31 per cent marketable surplus of walnut was sold as nuts and rest was value added and sold as kernels This paper discusses the price spread and marketing efficiencies of nuts (with-shell) and kernels (shelled walnut) of walnut in traditional as well as modernized channels. It was observed that presence of contractors in walnut marketing reduces the producer's share in consumer's price. Contrary to this, producer received higher returns where they are able to sell off their produce directly to wholesalers or retailers. Producers receive higher absolute net returns from sale of kernels in the channel where in they sold off their produce through modernized channels. Processors incur good amount on value addition of walnut and also better margin of it. Estimates of marketing efficiency indicated that marketing margins have declined efficiency of marketing to a great extent; thereby indicated that efficiencies as well as producers’ returns could be improved by reducing the number of intermediaries. Based upon findings, the study emphasized upon linking walnut production with marketing through value addition. In addition this paper concluded with few pragmatic policy options for enhancing marketing efficiency of walnut and sustainable growth of this dry fruit in Kashmir region of J&K.