An Economic Analysis of Sesamum Marketing in Punjab

Sesamum, the third most important oilseed after rapeseed-mustard and groundnut, occupies about 4 per cent of the cultivated area in Punjab, with Amritsar and Tarn Taran accounting for over half of this acreage. Given the fragmented nature of sesamum growers, snowball sampling was employed to collect data. Results indicated that Amritsar surpassed Tarn Taran in production, attributable to greater adoption of recommended seed varieties. Marketing analysis revealed that Channel-I (Producer?Commission agent-cum-Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer) recorded the highest disposal and costs, but was the least efficient due to numerous intermediaries. In contrast, Channel-III (Producer ? Consumer) exhibited the highest efficiency but offered the lowest selling price, underscoring farmers' dependence on commission agents and their centrality in the marketing system. Farmers in both districts reported price variability and inadequate price information as the most critical constraints. Assured procurement, timely dissemination of market information, and government support through stronger marketing mechanisms, remunerative pricing, and the provision of high-yielding varieties are essential to strengthen the production and marketing base of sesamum in Punjab.