2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 7

author(s)
Shweta Singh, Dr. MR Chandrakar, Dr. VK Choudhary and Dr. AK Gauraha

abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.), often referred to as the "queen of cereals," occupies a prominent global position owing to its outstanding genetic yield potential and adaptability across diverse ecologies and seasons. In India, it holds the rank of third among food crops, following rice and wheat, with the country ranking fourth in global maize cultivation area and seventh in production. Indian maize cultivation durations, two primary seasons: the rainfed kharif and the winter rabi, with recent increases in spring maize cultivation observed in northwestern states. Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka are the foremost states in maize cultivation in India, each contributing 15% to the total maize area, followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Bihar leads in maize production, while Andhra Pradesh showcases the maximum productivity. In Chhattisgarh, significant tribal populations lead maize cultivation regions like Surguja and Bastar. This study focuses on the marketing dynamics of maize in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, specifically Balrampur district, utilizing a multistage purposive random sampling approach. The analysis finds three prevalent marketing channels: Producer-Consumer, Producer-FPO-Feed Company, and Producer-Village Merchant-Wholesaler-Consumer. Results indicate that Channel 1 yields the highest net price for producers, followed by Channels 2 and 3, revealing an inverse relationship between producer net prices and intermediary involvement. Detailed tabular analyses illustrate the maize marketing patterns, showcasing high efficiency in Channel 1 compared to Channels 2 and 3. Producers' share in consumer rupees is notably highest in Channel 1 (92.4%), followed by Channel 2 (83.54%) and Channel 3 (82.28%). These findings underscore Channel 1 as the most efficient for both producers and consumers in the study area. In conclusion, maize cultivation proves beneficial for intensifying agricultural productivity and offers substantial income opportunities for farmers in tribal Chhattisgarh. Effective marketing infrastructure and supportive policies are crucial for enhancing farmers' incomes and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.