Production and Marketing of Mango in Himachal Pradesh, 2004, by C.S. Vaidya and Ranveer Singh
Abstract: Mango is mainly grown in the lower areas of Himachal Pradesh. In the State, the area under this fruit is increasing manifolds as the farmers of lower areas have new plantations on a large scale due to acute shortage of labour because field crops cultivation is mainly labour intensive and returns from mango cultivation are far higher them that of field crops. The present study is confined to two districts namely Bilaspur and Kangra selected on the basis of area and production. The main varieties grown in these two districts are Dushehari and Langra besides Desi mangoes. The study examines the cost of production, marketing system and the problems of mango producers. The results of the study reveal that the total annual maintenance cost was Rs. 17,293 in the age group of 0-5 years and Rs. 22,638 in the age group of above 25 years. This cost was observed to be more in Kangra as compared to Bilaspur. The net returns were also relatively higher in Kangra as compare to Bilaspur. Overall, net returns were observed to be Rs. 207200, 223505 and 207050 for the age group of 5-15, 15-25 and 25 and above respectively. The producer’s share in consumer’s rupee was 71 and 87 percent for Delhi and Chandigarh markets respectively. Problems of mango producers with respect to grading, packing, packing material, storage, transportation, marketing intelligence, malpractices in the market etc. are also discussed in detail in the present study.
