Farmers’ use of PHI facilities for fruits and vegetables in India: present problems and future strategies
Kshirsagar K.G.
5th International Postharvest Symposium . Volume of Abstract . Verona, Italy 6-11 June 2004, p.125
2004
บทคัดย่อ
Farmers’ use of PHI facilities for fruits and vegetables in India: present problems and future strategies
India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. However, this is not matched with the availability of postharvest infrastructure (PHI) leading to enormous losses valued at more than 30 billions of rupees annually. In order to promote establish PHI, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate domestic and overseas trade in horticultural products, the National Horticulture Board (NHB) had initiated the Soft Loan Schemes in 1993-94. Under these schemes NHB provided soft loan assistance up to rupees 10 millions with 4 percent service charge to various organizations to set up the PHI projects in many states of
India. These newly created PHI facilities with large investments were expected to provide immense opportunities to farmers to increase their incomes. However, farmers encountered several problems in using these facilities. The study seeks to critically examine the extent of these problems faced by farmers and suggest policy measures for its alleviation.
The study is based on primary data collected from four major states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab) of India covering 444 sample farmers comprising of 219 member farmers of PHI units and 225 non-member farmers from the same area.
The study finds that farmers faced tremendous problems in using PHI facilities such as harvesting , pre-cooling, cold storage, grading, packing, transportation, and marketing. It has critically examined the magnitude of problems faced by member and non-member farmers while using each of these facilities in their area. The resentment of problem was more among the non-member farmers as compared to member farmers. The study concludes by suggesting strategies to overcome the problems. Sensitivity towards resolving these problems on priority basis will have implications for future PHI development in India and the availability of sufficient fruits and vegetables for domestic consumption and exports.