An Analytical Assessment Of Potato Marketing Dynamics In Baglung District, Nepal

Potato farming is one of the most lucrative enterprises in the Baglung district, primarily due to the favorable geographic and edaphic conditions. The major goal of our research was to analyze the marketing dynamics of Potatoes in the district, focusing on marketing channels, actors involved and major problems. A survey was undertaken with a representative sample size of 106 farmers using the simple random sampling technique and 14 traders (collectors, wholesalers and retailers) using the snowball sampling technique, encompassing all PMAMP potato zones. Data collection methods included Household Surveys, FGD, KII, along with various secondary sources of information and data analysis was done using SPSS and Ms. Excel. An indexing/scaling technique was utilized to rank the identified problems in marketing. Additionally, value chain mapping was employed to illustrate the actors, their functions, and enablers in the value chain activities related to potatoes and a SWOT analysis was done to find strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the potatoes at the producer’s level. Three main marketing channels were identified, with the marketing margin at NRs. 12.24/kg and the producer's share at 79.6%. Farmers predominantly sold sorted and graded products, with transportation means ranging from tractors to porters. Market information primarily came from friends, with a 51.72% satisfaction level among farmers. Farmer’s illiteracy and lack of awareness emerged as the most serious problem in marketing of potatoes followed by dominance of middlemen/intermediaries.