Supply chain and market dynamics of GI Kodaikanal Malai Poondu: A socio-economic and medicinal perspective

Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, a traditional garlic variety with deep historical roots in Tamil Nadu, is closely associated with the 3000-year-old Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple in Poombarai and was recognized by King Kulashekhara Pandyan as part of the "Vellaipoodu Kandam." This rare garlic variety is also renowned for its medicinal properties, such as boosting immunity, reducing hypertension and enhancing digestion. This study investigates the supply chain management of Kodaikanal Malai Poondu, focusing on the socio-economic status of farmers, market dynamics and key marketing practices, including handling, packaging, costs, margins and price spreads. The Udai Pareek scale assessment revealed that the socio-economic status of farmers is moderate. The compound growth rates for area, production and productivity were 4.77%, 5.07% and 0.34%, respectively, with statistical significance at the 1% level for area and production and 5% for productivity. Marketing efficiency was highest in channel II (efficiency index 4.86) in Dindigul and lowest in channel I (index 2.80) in Madurai. This study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to enhance productivity, stabilize production areas, improve supply chain efficiency and leverage the medicinal benefits of this historically significant garlic variety, ensuring its sustainability and economic viability.