Examining cost return structure and marketing pattern of black gram in Punjab

Present study was undertaken to examine the cost-returns structure and marketing pattern of the black gram in Punjab. The primary data were collected from 60 growers of black gram located in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts, the major black gram growing districts in Punjab. The primary data were also collected from wholesalers and retailers. The total cost of cultivation of kharif black gram ranged from Rs 23567.12 to Rs 25026.63 per hectare, while for summer black gram, it varied between Rs 26,059.58 and Rs 28087.56 per hectare among different farmer categories. Among all the operations, harvesting and threshing incurred the highest share, (30.36 and 28.50 %) of the total variable cost in kharif and summer black gram, respectively. Summer black gram exhibited higher returns over variable costs compared to kharif black gram due to its higher yield potential. Different actors identified in the study area were farmers, commission agents, wholesalers, retailers, and ultimate consumers. Four major channels of black gram were identified, and the market channel I with involvement of wholesalers and retailers was the most preferred by the growers. In addition, the results revealed that farmers disposed of 40.66 percent of the black gram to the wholesalers, followed by retailers (31.08%). The net price received by the producer wasthe maximum, i.e., Rs 8538.46 per qtl by selling directly to the consumers. From the policy perspective, there is need for an effective price support mechanism and channelising through the public distribution system to protect the interest of both producers and consumers.