A

SUMMER INTERNSHIP REPORT

ON

Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh fruits

and Vegetables in Assam

SUBMITTED BY:
KAILASH PRASAD KHANDELIA
MBA 2010-12 Batch

Organizational Guide

Institutional Guide

Mr. Ashok B.Angadi

Sr. Manager (Marketing)
NERAMAC Ltd- Guwahati

Ms. Lurai Rongmai

Placement Incharge
DBA-JNSM: AUS

CONTENT
SL.No.
1.
2.
3.
4.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
DECLARATION
PREFACE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Page
No.
3
4
5
6

5.

CHAPTER 1: ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

7-23

COMPANY OVERVIEW
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF ASSAM
MARKETING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

7-17
18-20
21-33

6.

CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

34-37

7.

CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS, ANALYSIS &

INTERPRETATION

38-70

8.

CHAPTER 4: OBSERVATION, RECOMMENDATION &

CONCLUSION

71-78

OBSERVATION
RECOMMENDATION
CONCLUSION

71-75
76-77
78

APPENDIX : BIBLIOGRAPHY & QUESTIONNAIRES

79-86

9.

DESCRIPTION

List of Table
Table
No.

Particular

Page
No.

Geographical Land to Man Ratio

(Hectares/Person)

19

Critical temperatures for various fruits and

vegetables.

25

Trend in Area and Production of Major

Horticultural Crops in Assam

26

Major Horticultural Crops of NE Region

4

27
Cold Storage Units in Assam

5
6

28
Seasonality of Crops in Assam

List of Retail Markets of Assam

List of Major Wholesales Markets of Assam

29
30

33

I feel great pleasure for the completion of this project. At the very
outset I would express my sincere thanks and deep sense of gratitude to
personnel who helped me during the collection of data and gave me rare and
valuable guidance for the preparation of this report.
I take the opportunity to extend my deep sense of gratitude and
obeisance to Shri S. Bhattacharjee (Managing Director, NERAMAC,
Guwahati) who gave me the opportunity to undertake my summer training
from the esteemed organization .I am indebted to many persons without
whose heartfelt cooperation this project would not have been complete.
I would also like to extend my heart-felt thanks to Mr. Ashok B. Angadi (Sr.
Marketing Manager, NERAMAC, Guwahati) for his objective guidance,
suggestions, Co-Operation, motivation and for acquainting me with various
pertinent issues during the project and my special thanks to Mr.Pradip
Bhuiya (Asst.Marketing Manager, NERAMAC, Guwahati) for her extensive
guidance, cooperation and support.

Last but not least, I would also like to thank all the respondents who
spend their valuable time in filling up my schedule.
KAILASH PRASAD KHANDELIA

DECLARATION

I, the undersigned hereby solemnly declare that the project

entitled Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for
fresh fruits and Vegetables in Assam-A Study in NERAMAC is the
original piece of work submitted by me under the guidance of Mr.
Ashok B. Angadi , Sr. Manager-Marketing, NERAMAC, Guwahati ,
for the partial fulfillment of MBA course of Assam University, Silchar
and is exclusively prepared by me and the findings in this project
report are based on the data collected by me.
To the best of knowledge and belief this project report or any part
of it has not been submitted in any university or institutions for MBA
or any other degree.
Place- Silchar
Date- 30/6/2011

Kailash Prasad Khandelia

DBA-SMS
Assam University, Silchar

PREFACE
For the convenience of the study, the entire project is mainly divided
into four different chapters.
Chapter1 portrays the brief introduction of the organization,
organizations objective, Also this chapter deals with the structure of the
organization, services and products offered by the organization.
Chapter 2, provide the brief introduction of the study, objectives of the
study, significance of the study, methodology i.e., preliminary study, data
collection, sample size, schedule design, analysis technique, scope and the
limitations of the study.
Chapter 3 deals with the analysis and detailed findings of the study.
Chapter 4 describes the observation, recommendations and conclusion of
the study.
Before concluding I would like to apologize to all concerned respective for
any sort of mistake(s) made by me in preparation of the report.

Guwahati

KAILASH PRASAD KHANDELIA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Project Title:
Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh fruits
and Vegetables in Assam
Name of the Company NERAMAC Ltd., Guwahati.
Place of the work- Assam
Duration- from 16TH May to-30th June 2011(45 days)
Organizational Guide- Mr. Ashok B. Angadi , Sr. Marketing Manager,
NERAMAC, Guwahati
Major Objectives:
1. To analyse the existing/present transportation facilities in Assam for fresh
fruits and vegetables.
2. To analyse the existing/present marketing facilities in Assam for fresh
fruits and vegetables.
3. To find out the problems face the transporters and marketer in Assam who
deal in fresh fruits and vegetables..

CHAPTER-1

(ORGANIZATION PROFILE)

1.1. INTRODUCTION:
In this chapter discussion is made about the company i.e. NERAMAC Limited; its history, organization
chart, its function and also a brief introduction of Assam and about marketing facilities of fresh fruits and
vegetables.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
1.2.

NERAMAC A BRIEF PROFILE:

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) Limited was incorporated
on the 31st of March 1982, with North Eastern Council (NEC) as the promoter.

Presently it is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern
Region (DoNER), Government of India, New Delhi, with its registered office at 9 Rajbari path,
Ganeshguri, Guwahati. NERAMAC was set up to support farmers/producers of north east getting
remunerative prices for their produce and thereby bridge the gap between the farmers and the market
and also to enhance the agricultural, procurement, processing and marketing infrastructure of the
Northeastern Region of India.
The authorized capital of the Corporation is Rupees 1000 Lakh and the paid-up Capital is
Rupees 762 Lakh.

To fulfill its prime objectives, NERAMAC is offering helping hand in sourcing and procuring cash
crops of the producers by intervening in the market and provide them remunerative prices. It also
helps processing units by providing raw materials and arranging packaging materials. NERAMAC
has a few retail outlets within the North East region which directly sell various processed and value
added products produced locally in the region.

Zonal Offices:

Arunachal Pradesh:
Krishi Bhawan Annexe, Sector-D, Basement
Naharlagun, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh - 791 110
Contact : Shri Inamul Hussain Saikia, Zonal Manager
Phone No. : +91 360 2351429; 094351 95085 (M)
Email: neramac.arunachal@gmail.com

Assam:
3rd Floor, 9 Rajbari Path, Ganeshguri, G S Road
Guwahati, Assam - 781 005
Contact: Shri K C S Kurup, General Manager
Phone No.: +91 361 2343687; 097060 98141(M)
Email: neramac.zo.assam@gmail.com

Manipur:
Paona International Market,
Paona Bazar,Imphal,Manipur - 795 001
Contact:Shri Gurumayum Vishwas Sharma, Assistant Manager (Marketing)
Phone No : +91 98621 66853 (M)
Email : neramac.imphal@gmail.com

Meghalaya:
House of - W S Kharbuli,Near Bank of India
Lum Sohphoh, Nongthymmai,Shillong - 793 014
Contact: Shri K.C.S. Kurup,General Manager
Phone:+91 364 2520464;097060 98141 (M)
Email: neramac.zo.m@gmail.com

Mizoram:
C.Lalbuanga Building,
Dawrpul South, House No.218,
Aizawl, Mizoram - 796 001,
Contact: Shri Nilachandra Ningombam,Assistant Manager(Marketing)
Phone No.: +91 97743 80633(M)
Email : nilagom@gmail.com

Nagaland:
C/o Joshua Chang Kija,
Duncan Basti, House No. 302,Fellowship Colony
Dimapur, Nagaland - 797 112
Contact: Shri Inamul Hussain Saikia, Zonal Manager
Email : neramac.nagaland2@gmail.com

Sikkim:
Tadong Bazar, Gangtok,
Sikkim - 737 102
Contact: Shri P C Roy, Sr. Zonal Manager
Phone No.: +91 3592 232825; +91 90025 69057 (M)
Email: neramac.sikkim@gmail.com

Tripura:

A.D. Nagar Industrial Estate

Agartala, Tripura - 799 002
Contact: Shri P.C. Panda, General Manager
Phone No.: +91 38230392;+91 94367 00553 (M)
Email: neramac.agt@gmail.com

10

1.2.1 Processing
Food processing scenario in the Northeast Region has changed for the better from the year
NERAMAC was incorporated. NERAMAC has been providing adequate support to fruit processing
units. It has set up its own food processing plants which is helping farmers in getting right prices for
their produce.

Highlights of the achievements in the Food Processing sector.

NERAMAC helped local food processing units by marketing their products in identified
domestic markets through its own retail outlets. Some of these products are also exported.
Own Processing Facilities:

Fruit Juice Concentration Plant (FJCP), Nalkata, Tripura: Commissioned in

1988, the FJCP was set up at a cost of Rs 3.62 crore at Nalkata - a rich pineapple-growing
area in Tripura. The FJCP absorbs almost the full production of pineapples in Tripura and
Barak Valley of Assam. The setting up of the plant has helped improve the lifestyle of the
pineapple growers who are mainly tribal people, as they get better prices for their produce.
The plant has also contributed to the economic development of the area. Apart from helping
the farmers, the plant generates employment of 20,000 man days throughout the year, in
addition to twenty regular employees.

Cashew Processing Unit (CPU), Agartala, Tripura: The unit was commissioned in
1994 to cater to the cashew growers of Tripura. This unit too has contributed to the economic
development of the cashew nut growers of the region specially Tripura, who are basically
poor tribal farmers. The plant generates employment of 7500 man days, in addition to one
regular employee.

Integrated Ginger Processing Plant (GPP), Byrnihat, Meghalaya: The unit with
a capacity of processing 5 MT of ginger per day started operating from 2006-07 to cater the
needs of ginger growers of North East. It produces clean and waxed ginger, ginger powder
and ginger oil. Unit is organically certified.

11

1.2.2 Marketing
NERAMAC intervenes in sourcing, procuring and marketing different Agro-Horticultural
Commodities produced by the farmers of pineapple, ginger, banana, chillies, black pepper, cashew
nuts etc. and minor forest produces like hill grass. It also supports the farmers with agricultural
inputs like seeds, fertilizers etc. NERAMAC also assists farmers producing planting materials under
Horticulture Mission Schemes by marketing their produces.

Keeping in view its mandate for agricultural prosperity in the NE Region, NERAMAC usually
undertakes activities such as:
Procurement & marketing different agro-horticultural produce like Ginger, Birds Eye
Chillies, Maize, Black Pepper, Raw Cashew Nut, Pineapple, Supari, Brooms etc. outside the
region to help the farmers in getting economic returns.
NERAMAC also undertakes responsibility of marketing agro-horticultural inputs like
Fertilizers, Seeds etc. keeping in view of the overall agricultural development of the region.
Marketing assistance to small and cottage scale food processing units of the region.
NERAMAC has exported True Potato Seeds (TPS) produced in the NEC sponsored project
at Nagichera, Tripura. So far, TPS were exported to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Mexico
and South Korea.
Marketed pineapple pulp to Hindustan Unilever Ltd., & is also marketing frozen pineapple
juice concentrate and litchi pulp from the North Eastern Region and supply to M/s. Dabur
Foods, Nepal.
NERAMAC markets cashew nut processed by different processing units in Mankachar
District of Assam and Phulbari region of Meghalaya.
NERAMAC is making attempts to generate employment by providing Juice Vending
Machines on franchise basis. This scheme is aimed at, apart from employment generation,
creation of alternate marketing structure for natural juice and other processed products and
fresh fruits & vegetables of NE Region.
NERAMAC is also providing training on Post Harvest Management and fruit processing
from time to time to develop entrepreneurs for value addition of the agro-horticultural
produces grown in the region in collaboration with institutions like Central Food
Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore and other constituents Laboratories of
CSIR/Agricultural Universities etc.

12

1.2.3 Future Projects

I. Central Packaging Centre, Guwahati

Food Processing is often branded as a sunrise industry. Though this industry has a bright prospect in
the region, there is hardly any infrastructure created for its development as yet. Based on the
abundant availability of fruits like pineapple, oranges, passion fruit etc. in the region, fruit processing
has been identified as thrust industry. There is an urgent need to provide modern packaging facilities
for the already existing as well as the upcoming processing units. NERAMAC proposes to set up a
Central Packaging Centre near Guwahati, with an objective to provide assistance to the existing small
fruit processors and to build a common brand name for marketing their products.
In the North Eastern Region there are more than 93 FPO registered processing units. Many of them
are running under capacities. Moreover, under Technology Mission, Micro Processing Units
are being setup, thereby bringing value addition at the growing areas. Considering the existing
available capacity and coming up of number of Micro Processing Units, NERAMAC has conceived
the project of Central Packaging Centre for overall marketing support to the existing producers and
budding entrepreneurs. This will enable NERAMAC to pack processed products sourced from these
units.
The North East region has immense potential specifically for tropical fruits like pineapple, orange,
etc. Though this region produces very high quantities of such fruits, there was not much of serious
efforts to utilise them for processing and marketing in Consumer packs which will not only add value
but will also provide better realisation to the growers. With this twin objective of assisting small fruit
processors and providing them a common platform for marketing, the proposed packaging centre will
be equipped with modern packaging machines for making fruit juices available for marketing in
attractive and convenient consumer packs. Creation of such infrastructure will give a fillip to food
processing in the region. The proposed packaging centre will have modern facility for packaging fruit
juice in smaller retail packs of assorted sizes & also bulk filling for export.

13

II. Multi-fruit Processing Plant at Silchar, Assam

There is abundant availability of fruits like pineapple, oranges, passion fruit and ginger in the Barak
Valley District of Assam where no infrastructure exists for processing and value addition of such
items for better avenues of farmers. NERAMAC is proposing to set up a Multi fruit processing Plant
at Silchar as a Joint Venture project by suitably modifying the existing infrastructure of HLL/MFIL.
This plant would also act as a mother unit for other feeder plants located in the surrounding areas
since Silchar is at a quadrant place where proximity lies with States like Mizoram, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam where substantial quantity of fruits & vegetables are grown.

III. Restructuring & Modernisation of the Pineapple Juice Concentration Plant,

Nalkata (Tripura)

NERAMAC has set up a Fruit Juice Concentration Plant at Nalkata in 1988 which is located at a
distance of 135 Km from Agartala. The installed capacity of the plant is to process 2 T/hr. of fresh
pineapple to produce only pineapple juice concentrate. Besides, producing Pineapple Juice
Concentrate in the plant there was no other infrastructure created for processing and value addition.
From the very inception the plant was running at a loss as it was a single line plant. Consequently,
NERAMAC started producing juice concentrate in cold chain and supply is effected to outstation in
refer vans with very low economical viability. Moreover, the concentrate is produced during the
pineapple season that lasts only for a maximum of three/four months.
As per sequel to the above, NERAMAC proposes suitable diversification plan for a multi fruit
processing unit at Nalkata by adding facilities like Aseptic Filler, commissioning of a canning &
bottling line, renovation of the existing cold storage etc. for an assorted product mix of multi-fruit
line.

14

1.2.4 Achievements
1. Assistance to Farmers:
Though, NERAMAC had operated on small scale, its intervention in the market had helped the
growers of pineapple, orange, ginger, cashew nut, citronella grass, grass broom etc. to obtain better
price for their produces. The pineapple growers of Tripura and Silchar were getting only 15/20 paise
per kilogram of pineapple till 1988 when the Corporation set up its Pineapple Juice Concentration
Plant at Nalkata. Now, the growers of pineapple are being paid Rs. 2.00 and more for per kg of
pineapple depending on the quality. During the peak season, the farmers used to throw away the
pineapple. Since the entire quantity of pineapple is procured by NERAMAC, the farmers now get
price for their full production.
The cashew nut growers in Northeastern region were getting only Rs.5 to Rs.6 for per kilogram of
raw cashew nut till NERAMAC had set up its cashew nut processing unit. Currently the farmers are
getting a price ranging Rs. 20.00 to Rs. 40.00 depending on the quality.
The ginger growers were getting only paise 50 per kilogram of ginger. Currently, the farmers are
getting a price ranging between Rs. 5.00 to Rs. 15.00 per kilogram of ginger depending on the
quality.
The citronella oil was sold at the rate of Rs. 40.00 per kilogram. The current rate of citronella oil is
more than Rs.400 per kilogram.
The grass broom was available at Rs. 1.00 to Rs. 1.50 per kg. Now, the farmers are getting not less
than Rs. 15.00 per kilogram of grass.
During the year 1986-87 the farmers of Bamboo Sticks for Agarbatti were getting only Rs. 0.75 to
Re. 1.00 per Kg. for Bamboo Sticks of different sizes. Currently the farmers are getting Rs. 5.00 to
Rs. 7.00 per Kg of Bamboo Sticks. Thousands of farmers are engaged in this activity.

2. Intervention in Marketing:
NERAMACs intervention in marketing of agricultural commodities like Ginger, Citronella Oil,
Grass Broom, Bamboo Sticks etc helped thousands of farmers engaged in cultivation of these
produces obtain remunerative price.
The marketing of Processed products manufactured by all the Processing Units spread throughout the
North Eastern Region helped these units to market their products, besides helping the farmers
indirectly.

15

1.2.5 Training Programmes

Entrepreneurship Development Programme on Fruit Preservation

NERAMAC conducts Fruit Preservation Training Programme for growers/entrepreneurs who will be setting
up the micro processing facilities. These programmes will provide general awareness in food processing
covering regulations, agro food processing industries management, quality/ system etc. These programmes
are moduled for fruit and vegetable processing.

Each of these programmes facilitates 20 entrepreneurs to take up training in order to equip themselves to
start with self ventures in the form of micro fruit processing units at different locations to process and
produce different products like slices/tit-bits, pineapple juice, vinegar production, ginger crush/paste, orange
juice
and
marmalade,
apple
jam/cider,
pickle,
squashes
etc.
Technical back up is associated with organisations like CFTRI, Tezpur University Fruit Processing
Technology Department, ICAR Horticulture and Post Harvest Management Department, Assam
Agricultural University, Indian Society of Agri-business Professionals etc.

Exhibitions & Seminars

NERAMAC also participates in exhibitions and seminars all over India as well as globally to promote the
agro-horticultural processing of the North Eastern Region.

16

1.4. OBJECTIVES
THE FOLLOWINGS ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF NERAMAC--

To undertake development and marketing of horticultural products within and outside the north eastern
region and the supply of inputs, tools, equipment etc. required for the development of horticulture and
agro-based industries whether own or run by the Government, statutory body, company, firm, cooperative or individual.

To undertake, establish, acquire, purchase, sell and manage the projects for the development of
horticultural products such as establishment of nurseries and commercial orchards, seed stations etc.
and function as agent for the distribution of seeds, plants, processed food and other such products
connected with the development of horticultural products.

To manage, promote aid and expedite the export of raw and finished horticultural produce and
equipment and also to import raw and finished horticultural produce and equipment in furtherance of
the companys business.

17

1. The North East A Prelude

The North Eastern Region (NER) , a distinct socio-cultural entity , is enunciated as a rainbow
country .extraordinarily diverse and colourful , mysterious when seen through parted
clouds .

Geography
The Region stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range and is surrounded
by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar. It includes the seven sisters - Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, along with a small
and beautiful cousin in the Himalayan fringes, namely, Sikkim. The region has a long
international boundary, about 96 per cent, with China and Bhutan in the north, Myanmar in the
east, Nepal in the west and Bangladesh in the south and west. Most of the hill States in the
region like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland are predominantly
inhabited by tribal people with a fairly high degree of diversity even within the tribal groups.
The eight States cover an area of 2,62,179 sq. km. constituting 7.9 per cent of the countrys
total geographical area, but have only 45 million people or about 3.8 per cent of the total
population of the country (2011 census). Over 68 per cent of the population of the region lives
in the State of Assam alone. The density of population varies from 13 per sq. km. in Arunachal
Pradesh to 340 per sq. km. in Assam. Richly endowed with natural resources, the region is
identified as one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots; it hosts species-rich tropical rain forests
and supports diverse flora and fauna and several crop species. The forest cover in the region
constitutes 52 per cent of its total geographical area. Similarly, reserves of petroleum and
natural gas in the region constitute a fifth of the countrys total potential. The region is covered
by the mighty Brahmaputra-Barak river systems and their tributaries. Geographically, apart
from the Brahmaputra, Barak and Imphal valleys and some flat lands in between the hills of
Meghalaya and Tripura, the remaining two-thirds of the area is hilly terrain interspersed with
valleys and plains: the altitude varies from almost sea-level to over 7,000 m above MSL. The
regions high rainfall averaging around 10,000 mm and above creates problems of eco system,
high seismic activity and floods.
.

18

Map of North-East

Table-1: Geographical Land to Man Ratio (Hectares/Person)

State

Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Manipur
Meghalalya

Mizoram
Nagaland
Sikkim
Tripura
All NE States

All India

Geographical
Area (Ha.)

Population (No.)

8,374,300
7,843,800
2,232,700
2,242,900
2,108,100
1,657,900
709,598
1,048,600

26,217,898
3,28,726,300

19

13,82,611
3,11,69,272
27,21,756
29,64,007
10,91,014
19,80,602
6,07,688
36,71,032
4,55,87,982
1,21,01,93,422

Ratio
6.06
0.25
0.82
0.76
1.93
0.84
1.17
0.29
0.58
0.27

Assam
Assam is a northeastern state of India its capital is Dispur, a city located on the outskirts of its
largest city, Guwahati. Located south of the eastern Himalayas, Assam comprises
the Brahmaputra and the Barak river valleys along with the Karbi Anglong and the North
Cachar Hills with an area of 30,285 square miles (78,438 km) & population around
31,169,272

Assam is surrounded by six of the other seven sisters: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur,
Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya. These states are connected to the rest of India via a narrow
strip in West Bengal called the Siliguri Corridor or "Chicken's Neck". Assam also shares
international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh; and cultures, peoples and climate with
South-East Asia important elements in Indias Look East policy.

Assam became a part of India after the British occupied the region following the First AngloBurmese War of 18241826. It is known for Assam tea, large and old petroleum
resources, Assam silk and for its rich biodiversity. Assam has successfully conserved the onehorned Indian rhinoceros from near extinction, along with the tiger and numerous species of
birds, and it provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. It is becoming an
increasingly popular destination for wildlife tourism, and Kaziranga and Manas are both World
Heritage Sites. Assam was also known for its Sal tree forests and forest products, much
depleted now. A land of high rainfall, Assam is endowed with lush greenery and the mighty
river Brahmaputra, whose tributaries and oxbow lakes provide the region with a unique hydrogeomorphic and aesthetic environment.

20

Cluster of Major Horticulture Crops in Assam

21

MARKETING OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGTABLES:

Marketing plays an important role not only in stimulating production and consumption,
but in accelerating the pace of economic development. The marketing system plays a dual role
in economic development in countries whose resources are primarily agricultural. Marketing
comprises all the operations, and the agencies conducting them, involved in the movement of
farm-produced foods, raw materials and their derivatives from the farms to the final
consumers, and the effects of such operations on farmers, middlemen and consumers.
Agricultural marketing deals with all the activities, agencies and policies involved in the
procurement of farm inputs by the farmers and the movement of agricultural products from the
farms to the consumers. The agricultural marketing system is a link between the farm and the
non-farm sectors. It involves all the aspects of market structure or system, both functional and
institutional, based on technical and economic considerations, and includes pre and postharvest operations, assembling, grading, storage, transportation and distribution. The expansion
in the size of farm output stimulates forward linkages by providing surpluses or food which
requires transportation, storage, processing, packaging and retailing to the consumers.
Increasing demands for money with which to purchase other goods leads to increasing
sensitivity to relative prices on the part of the producers, and specialization in the cultivation of
those crops on which the returns are the greatest, subject to socio-cultural, ecological and
economic constraints. It is the marketing system that transmits the crucial price signals. The
fruit and vegetable marketing in India is highly decentralized having wide capacities. There has
been concern in recent years regarding the efficiency of marketing of fruits and vegetables, and
that this is leading to high and fluctuating consumer prices and only a small share of the
consumer rupee reaching the farmers. It is overviewed by many committees and reports that
Indian farmers are good producers but not good marketer. As early as 1976 National
Commission on Agriculture pointed about the inefficiency in agricultural marketing with
particular to fresh perishables and strongly recommended in following words that It is not
enough to produce a crop; it must be satisfactorily marketed. Marketing of horticultural crops
is complex especially because of perishability, seasonality and bulkiness. Fruits and Vegetables
are an item of daily consumption, they are essential in human diet but they are very perishable
in nature. Therefore, the cultivation of fruits and vegetables is generally concentrated around
towns and cities, so that they can be harvested and transported to the nearby market
immediately and in fresh form. With the increase in transport and communication facilities,
fruits and vegetables cultivation has spread in interior areas where irrigation facilities are
available. This is because growing vegetable crops is more profitable than any other seasonal
crop particularly the foodgrain crops. The spread of fruits and vegetables cultivation in rural
areas has solved the perennial problems, particularly of transport, handling, packing and
storage. There is also some regional specialisation in growing some fruits and vegetables

They are grown in one area but marketed in other areas for creating wider market and
also to fulfill the demand of some people, who have liking for them. This also involves long
distance transport. For these purpose good roads in the interior villages is necessary.
Fortunately there are good state and national highways, but there are no good roads in the
interior.

22

Sale of the fruits is generally through pre- harvest contactors, so that the farmer gets an
advanced payment and covers his risk. Vegetables are usually sold through commission agents
and very little of pre-harvest contacting is done. Due to this the net returns are generally low.
Farmers spend means to devote more time to their field crops rather than to the orchards. If the
farmer does the marketing of his produce himself then the net returns to him would be double.
So also in the marketing of fruits and vegetables, producer cannot go to wholesale market or
long distant market and he has to depend on some intermediaries to sell his fruits and
vegetables. Therefore, in the marketing of fruits and vegetables costs are involved for grading,
packing, transport, loading/unloading, fees, etc. In addition, the intermediaries also take some
margins for them. These costs and margins determine the final price to be paid by the
consumer. After deducting market costs and margins from the final price paid by the consumer,
farmer gets his net price, which is referred to "Farmers share in consumers price".

Channels of Vegetables:
i. Producersconsumer (village sale)
ii. Producerretailerconsumer (local sale)
iii. ProducerTradercommission agentretailerconsumer.
iv. Producercommission agentretailerconsumer
v. Producerprimary wholesalersecondary wholesaler retailer consumer (distant market).
Channels of Fruits:
i. Producerconsumer (village sale)
ii. ProducerTraderconsumer (local sale)
iii. Producerpre-harvest contractorretailerconsumer
iv. Producercommission agentretailerconsumer.
v. Producerpre-harvest contractorcommission agent retailerconsumer
vi. Producercommission agentsecondary wholesaler retailerconsumer (distant market).

These channels have great influence on marketing costs such as transport, commission
charges, etc. and market margins received by the intermediaries such as trader, commission
agent, wholesaler and retailer. Finally this decides the price to be paid by the consumer and
share of it received by the farmer producer. That channel is considered as good or efficient
which makes the produce available to the consumer at the cheapest price also ensures the
highest share to the producer.

23

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CHARACTERISTICS

1. Perishability of products: Involvement of many bio-physio-chemical processes make
its highly vulnerable to damages at short intervals and thus contributes to products
limited shelf life.
2. Seasonability of production: The inconsistent supply due to the close involvement of
many biotic and abiotic factors of production break the cycle of the produce availability
in the market throughout the year.
3. Bulkiness of products: The bulkiness of the fresh produce adds to the transportation,
handling and packaging charges. Along with makes its prone to pre and post harvest
damages in the supply chain accounting upto the extent of 20-40 percent.
4. Quality variation of products : Nonadherence to GAP practices leads to variation in
quality
5. Irregular supply of products: Seasonability and non planned insufficient production
creates gluts and shortages in the market.
6. Small Holdings size & scattered production processing: As majority of the Indian
farmers falls in marginal and small category.

CONSTRAINTS IN FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MARKETING:

1. Lack of basic infrastructure viz.cool chains, logistics and supply chain management.
The infrastructural problems, pertaining to the cold storage facilities are dual as some
places dont have the cold storage while some places have the problem of
underutilisation of the existing cold storages. The utilisation is even lower than 30 per
cent of the total capacity in 11 many cases. Development of competitive inter-state
transportation, linked to road and rail transport would help in reduction of post harvest
losses.
2. Preponderance of Intermediaries in the channel results in unfair and exploitative
practices in marketing of fresh produce is very common.
3. Lack of proper grading and quality control system.
4. Scattered productions and sometimes in isolated places where even the transportation
facilities and other infrastructure is not sufficient for the perishables.
5. Lack of unity and organization skill among the farming community, which proves a
major impediment in the formation of cluster groups and co-operatives.

24

6. Inefficient & Imperfect markets: Due to prevalence of many intermediaries and

malpractices followed by them in the price fixation and auction of the perishables in
between the marketing channel results in uprise of proper consumers price in the
producers share.

7. Concept of consumer packaging practically unknown in domestic markets : Improper

pre and post harvest handling without any sound packaging leads to heavy loss ranging
from 20-40 percent of the produce at the time when its reaches the final consumer.
8. Lack of forward & backward linkages: Absolute lack of the much needed quality inputs
and extension backup at time and after harvest processes.
9. Ignorance to new methods of cultivation and dependence on traders for extension
knowledge.

10. Perishability and Storability: Having limited shelf life due to its typical biophysiochemicals constitutions, fresh fruits and vegetables penetration is restricted to the
certain niche markets and stakeholders. Besides the presence of insufficient numbers of
storages and coolchain facilities adding to the woes.
11. Long marketing channel: Prevalence of many of the intermediaries in between the
supply chain robbing the lions share of the producers by deeply penetrating the
consumers pocket.

12. Poor Post harvest care & handling of the produce: Improper pre and post harvest care
and handling leads to heavy loss ranging from 20-40 percent of the produce.
13. Absolute lack in co-ordination b/w production targets of concerned department &
action plan of the marketing directorate
14. Prevalence of primitive methods of selling and price fixation like, secret sale, private
negotiation, under cover etc.
15. Meagre involvement of Government & other co-op. marketing agencies alike to the
private agencies

25

STORING CONDITION OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Temperature
All fruits and vegetables have a 'critical temperature' below which undesirable and irreversible
reactions or 'chill damage' takes place. Carrots for example blacken and become soft, and the
cell structure of potatoes is destroyed. The storage temperature always has to be above this
critical temperature. One has to be careful that even though the thermostat is set at a
temperature above the critical temperature, the thermostatic oscillation in temperature does not
result in storage temperature falling below the critical temperature. Even 0.5C below the
critical temperature can result in chill damage. Table 2 gives the critical temperatures for
various fruits and vegetables.

Tablel-2 : Storage conditions

Temperature Relative
C
humidity
%

Maximum storage time Storage time in cold

recommended (ASHRAE stores for vegetables in
handbook 1982)
tropical countries

Apple

0-4

90-95

2-6m

Beetroot

95-99

Cabbage

95-99

5-6 m

2m

Carrots

98-99

5-9m

2m

Cauliflower 0

95

2-4w

1w

Cucumber

10-13

90-95

Eggplant

8-10

90-95

Lettuce

95-99

Leeks

95

1-3m

1m

Oranges

0-4

85-90

3-4m

Pears

90-95

2-5m

Pumpkin

10-13

70-75

Spinach

95

1-2w

1w

Tomatoes

13-21

85-90

26

It can be seen from the table that there are basically three groups of fruit and vegetables: those
stored at 0 - 4C; those stored at 4 - 8C; and those that require a storage temperature above
8C. It is often more convenient to concentrate on one of these groups.

Relative humidity
For most produce, a high but not saturated, relative humidity is required, eg 85 - 95%. Table 1
shows specific relative humidities for fruits and vegetables. There is always some moisture loss
during cold storage but excessive moisture loss is a problem. It is essential that the relative
humidity is kept above 85%. This can be done by:
allowing the produce to reach storage temperature and then covering in plastic
sprinkling the produce with water, this should be done before storage since if the vegetables
are sprinkled during storage condensation occurs at the refrigeration unit.

Table-3. Trend in Area and Production of Major Horticultural Crops in Assam

Horticultural
crops
Banana
Jackfruit
Pineapple
Assam Lemon
Orange
Guava
Litchi
Mango
Other Fruits
Potato
Coconut
Chilies
Turmeric
Ginger
Black

Area (Ha.)

Production (MT)

42345
18457
3596
8847
9141
4021
4217
3758
2048
84034
21554
14717
12683
18091
2715

583636
181708
49348
50517
96417
66963
20835
33505
7331
429649
145501
9500
8562
116701
5271

.
Source: CMIE report on Agriculture

27

Table-4 : Major Horticultural Crops of NE Region

States

Fruits

Green Vegetables

Arunanchal

Apple,

Potato, Tomato,

Pradesh

Orange,

Cabbage

Kiwi,
Walnut

Assam

Banana,

Potato,

Orange,

Cauliflower,

Pineapple,

Cabbage and

Arecanut,

Other Summer

Coconut,

Vegetables

Assam Lemon

Manipur

Pineapple,

Potato,

Papaya,

Cauliflower,

Banana,

Pea,

Orange,

Tomato

Passion Fruit
Meghalalya

Pineapple,

Cabbage,

Banana,

Chow-chow

Orange,
Passion Fruit,
Strawberry

Mizoram

Orange,

Potato, Squash,

Banana,

Cabbage,

Papaya,

Broccolli

Grapes,
Passion Fruit

Nagaland

Pineapple,

Tapioca,

Banana,

Cucumber

Orange,
Passion Fruit

Sikkim

Orange,

Cabbage, Potato,

Passion Fruit

Off-season
vegetables

Tripura

Pineapple,

Potato,

Banana,

Off-season

Litchi,

vegetables

Jackfruit,
Mangoes

28

Table-5-Cold Storage Units in Assam

District

Sl. No.

2
1

Cachar

Agency & Address

Phone No.

3
M/s Kay Dee Cold
Storage, Silchar
M/s Lalit Cold
Storage (P) Ltd.,
Silchar

5
03842246266 (F)
03842230204
03842234322
03842241538
03842241539

Capacity
in Mt.
6
5000
5000

Golaghat

M/s Balaji Cold

Storage, Deargaon

03762381989
03762381909

3600

Hailakandi

M/s Deys Cold

Storage, Hailakandi

5000

Kamrup

M/s Reliable Cold

Storage, Changsari

0361-2680004
0361-2680005

5000

M/s Eden Cold

Storage, Guwahati

0361-2302080

2400

M/s N.E. Cold

Storage, Guwahati

0361-2547306
0361-2518094

5000

Karimganj

M/s Barak Cold

Storage, Badarpur
Ghat

03845-268212
03845-267718

5000

Sonitpur

M/s Indraprasth Cold

Storage, Tezpur

03712-231052
03712-220824

4000

Tinsukia

10

M/s Mahabir Cold

Storage, Tinsukia

0374-2338374
0374-2339365

7000
47000

Source: WWW.ASAMB.Org

29

Table-6-Seasonality of Crops in Assam

Crops

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Banana
Jackfruit
Pineapple
Assam
Lemon
Orange
Guava
Litchi
Mango
Potato
Coconut
Chilies
Ginger
Kharif
Vegetable
Rabi
Vegetable

Beginning

Peak

Lean

Source: www.nhb.org.in

30

Market scenario
Assam being a entry point of the six north east states is also considered to be the
transit market for north eastern states both for dispatches as well as receipts. It borders all
the six states and hence functions as the feeder market. Assam also has its own
production of multiple horticulture produce and a supplier to other main land markets as
well. It has hundreds of rural primary markets working as both retail as well as collection
centers for larger volumes for supplies to the larger cities both within the state as well as
other north eastern states.

Table-7 List of Retail Markets of Assam

Sl.
No.

District

Category A

Category B

Category C

Kokranjhar

Kokranjhar

Gossaigaon

a) Basugaon b) Fakiragram

Dhubri

Dhubri

South Salamara

a) gauripur b) Bilashipara,
c) Chapar, d) Golokgang,
e) Salkose

Bongaigaon

Bongaigaon

a) Bijni,
a) Abhayanpuri, b) Jogighopa
b)New Bongaigaon
railway Colony,
c)North Salmara

4
5

Goalpara
Barpeta

Goalpara
Barpeta

a) Balaji,
b) Barpeta Road

Jogighopa
a) Howly, b) Bhabanipur

Nalbari

Nalbari

a) Tamulpur, b) Tihu, c)Barama,

d) Massalpur

Kamrup

a) Ganeshguri,
b) Fancy Baza
c) Paltan Bazar,
d) Maligaon

a) Rangia,
b) Pragjyotishpur,
c) New Guwahati Rly
Colony.

a) Nagarbera, b)Boko, c) Khetri,

d) Bijaynagar, e) Chaygaon

31

Sl.
No.

Category A

District

Category B

Category C

Darrang

Mangaldoi

Udalguri

a) Siphajhar, b) Orang,
c) Ratua,
d) Kharupetia

Sonitpur

Tezpur

Bishwanath Chariali

a) Chariduar, b) Bhalukpung,
c) Gahpur,
d) Dhekiajuli

10

Lakhimpur

N. Lakhimpur

a) Dhakuakhana,
b) Narayanpur

a) Machkhowa

11

Dhemaji

Dhemaji

a) Jonai, b) Silapathar

a) Ghilamara, b) Gugamukh

12

Marigaon

Marigaon

Jagiraod

A) Mairabari, b) Laharighat,
c) Mayang
d) Gerua

13

Nagaon

Nagaon

a) Hojai,
b) jakhalabanadha,
c) lanka, d) Lumding

a) Haibargaon,
c) Chaparmukh
e) Amhagaon,
g) Samaguri,
i) Dabaka,

14

Golaghat

Golaghat

a)
Bokakhat
Sarupathar

Sl.
No.

Category A

District

b)

b) raha ,
d) rupali,
f)Dhing,
h) kaki,
j) Kampur

a) Barpathar, b) Dergaon,
c)Baruah bamun gaon

Category B

Category C

15

Jorhat

Jorhat

a) Majauli, b) Mariani

a) Titabar, b) Rowriah, c) Teok

16

Sibsagar

Sibsagar

a) Nazira,
b) Charaidew

a) Simaluguri, b) Demow,
c) Amguri

17

Dibrigarh

Dibrigarh

a) Naharkatia,
b) Dulaijan, c) Namrup

a) Moran,
b) Lahowal,
c) Chabna, d) Panitota,
e) Khowang Ghat

18

Tinsukia

Tinsukia

a) Chapakhowa,
b) Margherita,
c) Digboi

a) Makum, b) Dhala,
c) Doomdooma, d) Kakapathar,
e) Paitota, f) Hapjan, g) Lido

19

Cacher

Cacher

Lakhipur

a) Sonai, b) Basa kandi,

c) Rajahari

20

Hailakandi

Hailakandi

a) Minipur,
b) Lala Bazar,
c) Katlichhera, d) Panchgram

21

Karimganj

Karimganj

22

Karbi
Anglong
N.C. Hills

Diphu

a) Hamren b) Hawraghat,
c) Bakhalia, d) Bokajan, e) Manja

Haflong

23

32

Table-8 The major wholesale markets are:

Sl.No.

Wholesale markets

Guwahai/Dispur

Dibrugarh

Bonagaigaon

Goalpara

Jorhat

Nagaon

Lakhimpur

Silchar

Tinsukia

10

Barpeta

33

CHAPTER-2

(RESEARCH METHODOLOGY)

34

Introduction

This chapter discussions are made about major objectives of

the study; different aspects of research methodology; Scope of the
present study; and limitations of the study.
Project Title: Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities
for fresh fruits and Vegetables in Assam
MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
1. To analyse the existing/present transportation facilities in Assam for fresh
fruits and vegetables.
2. To analyse the existing/present marketing facilities in Assam for fresh
fruits and vegetables.
3. To find out the problems face the transporters and marketer in Assam who
deal in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Research Methodology
RESEARCH TYPE: Descriptive research

.
SAMPLING SIZE:

The research has been done on transporters, Marketers &

farmers on Assam and the sample size was as follows:
SR. NO.
1
2
3

RESPONDENT
Transporters
Marketers
Farmers

35

SAMPLE SIZE
100
100
100

SAMPLING METHOD
The survey was conducted by the method of non probability
convenience sampling over 100 transporters, 100 Marketers & 100
farmers on Assam region

RESEARCH TOOL

Tool for the research study is questionnaire and its prepared

in accordance to the object of the study. The questionnaire is precise in
size and simple in language.

DATA COLLECTION MEHTOD

Primary data were collected with the help of a well
framed questionnaire meant for transporters, marketers & farmers on
Assam region. The data and information is collected mainly from
primary and secondary sources.

AREA OF OPERATION
The areas of operation were the research was done are as follows:
Sibsagar
(Sibsagar
Town,Nazira,Moran),
Jorhat
(Jorhat
Town,Titabar,Tiyok), Nogaon ( Nogaon Town & other parts of
Nogaon), Silchar, Guwahati (Fancy Bazaar, Pan Bazaar,
Beltola,Ganeshguri, Zoo Road, Chandmari, Paltan bazaar)

36

ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE

Data thus gathered are analyzed in a sequential and logical

order by using the Microsoft Excel. For the purpose of analysis data are
tabulated and conclusion has been drawn with the use of table, pie
charts, and diagram on the ground of finding the desired result that
fulfills the said objective.

2.5 SCOPE
The scope of our study is confined to Assam region. It is limited
only to the 100 transporters, 100 Marketers & 100 farmers of Assam
region dealing with green vegetables and fruits

Limitations of study
Due to the following unavoidable and uncontrollable factors the
factors, the result might not be accurate. Some of the problems faced
while conducting the survey are as follows:I.
II.

Time and cost constraints were also there.

Chances of some biasness could not be eliminated.

III.

A Samples size of 300 has been use due to time limitations.

IV.

A majority of respondents show lack of cooperation and are

biased towards their own opinions.

37

CHAPTER-3

(FINDING, ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION)

38

Data Analysis for Transportation

1.Type of vehicle used for transportation of perishable Agri-Horti Produce? Specify

Particular
Truck(6 tires-8 tons)
Mini-truck(407-4 tons)
Small Vehicle(MAX,Ape etc-1 ton)
Total

No. of
respondents
22
26
52
100

Percentage
22%
26%
52%
100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 52% of the respondents
are used small vehicles that have loading capacity in between 750 kg to 1 ton , 22%
respondents are used Large truck(Lorry-6 tyre) that have loading capacity around 8
tons and 26% of the respondents are used mini-trucks that have loading capacity in
between 2 tons to 2.5 tons

39

2. Frequency of Transport
Daily
Thrice a week

Once a week

Twice a week

As per requirement

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

Daily

52

52%

once a week

22

22%

twice a week

21

21%

thrice a week

3%

As per requirement

2%

100

100%

Total

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents:
a) 52% of the respondents transport daily,
b) 22% of the respondents transport once a week,
c) 21% of the respondent transport twice a week,
d) 3% of the respondent transport twice a week
e) 2% of the respondent transport as per requirement

40

3. What will be the minimum average load that you carry weekly? Specify

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

Below 10 tons

48

48%

(10-50) tons

52

52%

Above 50 tons

0%

100

100%

Total

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents:
a) 48% of the respondents carry minimum average load that below 10 tons
b) 52% of the respondents carry minimum average load in between 10-50 tons

41

4. What percentage of Agri-Horti produce you think get spoil while on transportation?
Specify

Particulars
(0-5)%

No. of respondents
76

Percentage
76%

(6-20)%

18

18%

20 % & above

6%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents:
a) 76% of the respondents said that (0-5)% agriculture produce get spoil during
transportation.
b) 18% of the respondents said that (6-20)% agriculture produce get spoil during
transportation.
c) 6% of the respondents said that 20% & above agriculture produce get spoil
during transportation.

42

5. Did green vegetable products have high transportation cost or low in compare to other normal
goods?
High

Low

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

High
Low
Total

88
12
100

88%
12%
100%

ANALYSIS:

The above data reveals that among the 100 respondent 88% have the same view that
transportation cost of vegetable is higher than others products, beside this big transporters
are not ready to transport vegetables due to its high perishable in nature.

43

6. In which place you provide loading facilities?

Farm

Market/Bazaar

In Both

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

Farm
Market Yard/Bazaar
In Both

25
33
42

25%
33%
42%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

The above data reveals that among the 100 respondent 33% deal in market only and 25%
deal in farm only and 42% deal in both. Most of the transporters are used to transport from
one market to anothers.

44

7. Road condition of North-East:

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

Excellent
Good
Poor
Vary bad
Total

0
14
21
65
100

0%
14%
21%
65%
100%

ANALYSIS:
The above data reveals that among the 100 respondent 65% respondents are strongly
dissatisfied with the road condition of the north-east,21% respondent are not satisfied with
the road condition of north-east and 14% respondents are satisfied with road condition of
north-east. As per the majority of respondent the road condition of north-east is
pathetic.

45

8. Did adequate parking facilities available in the market yard? If yes then rate it.
Excellent

Good

Poor

Yes

No

Vary bad

Particular

No. of respondents

Percentage

Excellent
Good
Poor
Vary bad
Total

0
11
24
65
100

0%
11%
24%
65%
100%

ANALYSIS:
The above data reveals that among the 100 respondent 65% respondents are strongly
dissatisfied with the parking facilities available in the market yard, 24% respondent are not
strongly but dissatisfied with parking facilities available in the market and 11%
respondents are satisfied with parking facilities available in the market yard. As per the
majority of respondent the parking facilities available in the market yard is not
satisfactory.

46

Data Analysis for Marketing facilities

1.

A) Do you aware of any nearby cold storage facilities?

Yes

No

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
16

Percentage
16%

No

84

84%

Total

100

100%

1. B) Do you use the facilities of cold storage?

Yes

No

Yes

No. of respondents
7

Percentage
7%

No

93

93%

Total

100

100%

Particulars

47

1. C) Reasons for not using cold storage facilities

Particulars
Long Distances

No. of respondents
34

Percentage
37%

Low Storing capacity

28

30%

Costly

14

15%

Not needed
Total

17
93

18%
100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 93% of the respondent
are not using cold storage facilities, because 37% of the respondents have complain
of long distances from the market yard, 30% are marketers have complain about low
storage capacity and 18% of the respondent do not require any cold storage facilities.

48

2. Are You Satisfy with the present Storing capacity of perishable produces?

Yes

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
26

Percentage
26%

No

74

74%

Total

100

100%

No

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 74% of the
respondents are not satisfy with the present Storing capacity of perishable
produces and they are demanding more space to store the perishable produces.

49

2. What is your storing capacity of perishable produces? Specify

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Upto 1 ton

42

42%

2--10 ton

58

58%

Above 10 ton

0%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 42% of the
respondents have below 1 ton storing capacity, 58% respondents have between 2
to 10 ton storing capacity.

50

3. Adequate transportation facilities are available for green vegetable and fruits in NE?
Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Strongly Agree

8%

Agree

17

17%

Neutral

0%

Disagree

22

22%

Strongly Disagree

53

53%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a)
b)
c)
d)

Strongly Disagree

53% of the respondents are strongly Disagree.

22% of the respondents are Disagree
17% of the respondents are somehow satisfied
8% of the respondents are fully satisfied.

51

5. Did transporters deliver the perishable goods in time or not?

Yes
Particulars

No
No. of respondents

Percentage

Yes

42

42%

No

58

58%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 42% of the respondents are satisfied.
b) 58% of the respondents are not satisfied.

52

6. (a) Did transporters overload the perishable products?

Yes

No

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
0

Percentage
0

No

100

100%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents

a) All the respondents have the same view about the Overloading.

53

6. (b) What is the %age spoilage you receive on average 5MT load.
%age Spoilage

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

(05)%

53

53%

(610)%

25

25%

(1120)%

16

16%

(2130)%

6%

(3150)%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 50% of the respondents are satisfied.
b) 7% of the respondents are not satisfied

54

7. Well processing unit, washing and grading facilities are available in the market Yard.
Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Particulars
Strongly Agree

No. of respondents
0

Percentage

Agree

4%

Neutral

Disagree

9%

Strongly Disagree

87

87%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 87% of the respondents are strongly dis-satisfied.
b) 9% of the respondents are dis-satisfied.
c) 4% of the respondents are satisfied.

55

8. Did proper packaging facilities available for marketing of green vegetable and fruit in NE?
Yes

No

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
23

Percentage
23%

No

77

77%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 77% of the respondents are dis-satisfied.
b) 23% of the respondents are satisfied.

56

9. Do you have a dedicated shelve/platform to keep your perishable produce in the cold
storage?
Yes
No

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
0

Percentage
0

No

100

100%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 100% of the respondents are dis-satisfied.

57

10. Do you have a clean & clear place /area where u sells the product?

Yes

Particulars
Yes

No. of respondents
38

Percentage
38%

No

62

62%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 62% of the respondents are dis-satisfied.
b) 38% of the respondents are satisfied.

58

No

11. Rate the Parking facilities in the market yard?

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

0%

Good

16

16%

Poor

31

31%

Vary bad

53

53%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 53% of the respondents are strongly dis-satisfied with the parking facilities
available in the market yard.
b) 31% of the respondents are dis-satisfied with the parking facilities available in
the market yard.
c) Only 16% of the respondents are satisfied with the parking facilities available in
the market yard.

59

12. Rate the loading/unloading facilities in the market yard?

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Excellent

88

88%

Good

7%

Poor

5%

Vary bad

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 88% of the respondents are strongly satisfied with the loading/unloading
facilities available in the market yard.
b) 7% of the respondents are satisfied with the loading/unloading facilities
available in the market yard.
c) Only 5% of the respondents are dis-satisfied with the loading/unloading
facilities available in the market yard.

60

Data Analysis for Farmers

1 .a) Do you sell your Agri-produce in the market by yourself?
b) Are you supply to the wholesaler, Retailer Etc.?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Sells by farmer itself(Direct

selling)

24

24%

supply to wholesaler,
retailer, etc.(Indirect selling)

76

76%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 76% of the respondent
supply their produce to wholesaler, retailer, commission agents etc. and remaining
24% respondents sell their produces instead of supplying their produces to wholesalers etc.

61

2. a) Where is your nearest place in Kilometer(KM) where you sells your Agri-product ?
Specify

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

(0-10)km

6%

(11-50)km

16

16%

(51 & above)km

78

78%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 78% of the
respondents sells their Agri-produce far from 51 kilometres, 16% of the
respondent sells their Agri-produce in between 11-50 kilometres and remaining
6% respondents sells their Agri-produce nearby area i.e. within 10 kilometre of
the farm.

62

b) The mode of road transportation you generally use for transporting produces from your farm
to the market? Specify

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Large truck

0%

medium truck

77

77%

mini-truck

23

23%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 77% of the
respondents use medium vehicle( 407 truck) to transport their Agri-produce and
23% respondents use mini trucks (like MAX, ape, etc.)

63

3. Frequency of supply
Daily

Once a week

thrice a week

as per requirement

twice a week

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Daily

14

14%

once a week

18

18%

twice a week

34

34%

thrice a week

13

13%

As per requirement

21

21%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:
From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents
a) 34% of the respondents are used to transport in twice a week.
b) 21% of the respondents are used to transport as per market requirement.
c) 18% of the respondents are used to transport once in a week
d) 14% of the respondents are used to transport daily.
e) 13% of the respondents are used to transport thrice in a week

64

4. a) Do you have adequate cold storage facilities near your farm?

Yes

No

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Yes

12

12%

No

88

88%

Total

110

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 88% of the
respondents have complain about the unable cold storage facilities near their farm
and only 12% of the respondents have adequate cold storage facilities near their
farm.

65

b) Do you accessible to the Cold Storage facilities available at the market yard? Yes

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Yes

12

12%

No

88

88%

Total

100

100%

No

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents only 12% of the
respondents easily access the cold storage facilities and 88% of the respondents
face difficulties to access the cold storage facilities.

66

5. Which mode of transportation you use?

Road

Railway

Waterway

Other

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Road

94

94%

Railway

0%

Waterway

6%

Others

0%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 94% of the
respondents use Road transportation and only 6% of the respondent use
waterways for transporting their Agri-Produce.

67

6. Why you prefer Road Transportation? Less expensive

Near to farm

Easy access any place

Fast transportation
other.

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Less expensive

28

28%

Fast transportation

53

53%

Near to farm

13

13%

Easy access any place

6%

other

0%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 53% of the
respondents preferred road transportation because road transportation is fast
transportation, 28% use because it is less expensive, 13% use because it is near to
farm and only 6% respondents use because it is easy to access any place.

68

7. Reasons for not using railway as a medium of transportation?

Expensive

Slow transportation

far from farm

Booking problems

Mishandling

other.

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Expensive

12

12%

Slow transportation

46

46%

Far from farm

23

23%

Mishandling

15

15%

Booking problems

4%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 46% of the
respondents do not preferred railways because railway transportation is slow as
compare to road , 23% respondents have complain that railway station is far from
the farm, 12% respondents feel that railway transportation is expensive and not
affordable, 15% respondents face the mishandling problems and 4% respondent
have the booking problems in railways , so they do not prefer the railways as a
mode of transportation for transporting their Agri-produces.

69

8. Do you have adequate packaging facilities?

Yes

No

Particulars

No. of respondents

Percentage

Yes

22

22%

No

78

78%

Total

100

100%

ANALYSIS:

From the survey it was found that amongst 100 respondents 78% of the
respondents feel that they do not have adequate and special type of
packaging facilities and 22% of the respondents feel that adequate and
special type of packaging facilities is not available in the noth-east.

70

CHAPTER-4

(OBSERVATION, RECOMMENDATION &

CONCLUSION)

71

OBSERVATION, RECOMMENDATION &

CONCLUSION
My Observations for Transports
Most of the transporters do not want to transporters the vegetable due to its high perishable
nature. Road condition of the Assam is pathetic so it takes lots of time to transport the products
from one place to anothers. Every transporter has the same complain about the road condition
and transportation facilities available in the Assam. Some part of Assam have very smooth
roads and highways like in Dibrugarh,Sibsagar,Jorhat,Tinsukia,Nogaon, etc. but also some part
of Assam have terrible road condition like Silchar, Hilakandi, Karimganj etc. Even Most of the
part of the Assam is not connected with each other through road communication. If we want to
transport the fruits from Guwahati to Silchar it has to pass through Meghalaya State, so another
loss of time & money.

Observations from the data of the filled Questionnaires and interaction with
the respondents
1. After the survey it was conducted it was observed that transportation facilities in the
Assam are pathetic due to the horrible road condition.
2. Because of poor road condition of Assam, transporters face lots of difficulties in the
transportation of the fruits & vegetables.
3. Transporters are not satisfied with parking facilities available in the market yard.
4. Most the transporters who use to transport the vegetable and fruits use small vehicle
(like MAX, Ape, etc.) to transport the vegetables and fruits in market yard.
5. Most of the transporters who delivered the vegetables transport daily and the
transporters who delivered the fruits transport weekly instead of daily due to long
distance from farm to market(e.g. Maldas mangos delivered by transporters in
Guwahati and others place of Assam)
6. As per transporters up to 5% of Agri-produce get spoil while on transportation.
7. Parking facilities in the market yard is pathetic.

72

My Observations for Marketing Facilities

Vegetable market doesnt have basic infrastructure viz. cold storage, logistics and
supply chain management. The infrastructural problems, pertaining to the cold storage
facilities are dual as some places dont have the cold storage while some places have
the problem of underutilization of the existing cold storages. The utilization is even
lower than 30 per cent of the total capacity Development of competitive inter-state
transportation, linked to road and rail transport would help in reduction of post-harvest
losses. As well as Preponderance of Intermediaries in the channel results in unfair and
exploitative practices in marketing of fresh produce is very common that lead to high in
price of the vegetables.

Observations from the data of the filled Questionnaires and interaction with
the respondents
1. Lack of proper grading and quality control system.
2. Adequate warehouses facilities not available for vegetables and fruits in Assam.
3. Most of the marketers are aware of the cold storage facilities but does not use because
of the following reasons:

a) Long Distances: cold storage facilities are situated out of the city so it is very
difficult for marketers to use the cold storage facilities.

b) Low Storing capacity: cold storage does not have sufficient amount of storing
capacity to store vegetable and fruits.

c) Not needed: Most of the marketers think that they do not require cold storage
facilities.

4. Adequate transportation facilities are not available for green vegetable and fruits in NE
5. Transporters do not deliver the goods in time so marketers face short of supply only
because of that. So it leads to hike in the price of the vegetables.

73

6. Well processing unit, washing and grading facilities are not available in the market
Yard
7. Proper packaging facilities are also not available for marketing of green vegetable and
fruit in NE due to that 5% to 20% of a Vegetables and fruits spoil.
8. Marketers dont have a dedicated shelve/platform to keep their perishable produce in
the cold storage?
9. Proper parking facilities are not available in the market yard due to this marketers face
lots of difficulties in loading and unloading facilities.
10. Most transporters do not want to deal with green vegetable and fruits specially big
Transporters because such product is highly perishable in nature very difficult to visit
rural place where the road condition is horrible.(so it is deal by mostly local
transporters)
11. Small and large truck is used to transport the Agri-product in inter-state and interdistrict or small vehicle(i.e. MAX, Auto, etc) are used to transport the Agri-product
from one market to another market(Distribution work)

74

My Observations for farmers

Most of the farmers are not aware of the different facilities available in the market and
different facilities provided by government. Farmers have lots problems but farmers
have main problems of transporting their product in the market where the product have
high demand, so that farmer gets fair remuneration.
Most of the farmers dont have cold storage facilities near their farm and those farmers
who have cold storage facilities near their farm but they cant use it due to low storing
capacity.

Observations from the data of the filled Questionnaires and interaction with
the respondents

1. Most of the farmers sell their Agri-products not directly in the market, instead of selling
it in the market, the farmers sells it to the wholesalers, retailers, commission agents etc.
2. Most of the farmers sell their Agri-products in a distance more than 50 kilometers.
3. Most of the farmers use medium weight transportation vehicle (i.e.407 truck) for
transporting their vegetables in the market.
4. Most of the farmers dont have adequate cold storage facilities to their proximity.
5. Most of the farmers use Roadways instead of railway and waterways which is not
viable.
6. Farmers prefer Roadways transportation because road transportation is fastest means of
transportation.
7. Farmers do not prefer to use the railway as a mode of transportation because rail
transportation is slow transportation as compare to road transportation and there are
also lots of problems in rail transportation such as booking problems, far from farm and
mishandling problems.
8. A farmer does not have the special type of packaging facility to protect their Agriproducts.

75

RECOMMENDATION
1.
Primary processing facilities like adequate water and proper grading facilities should be
provided in the farm, so that the fresh fruits and vegetables are packed in a proper and hygienic
way. Since all the waste parts of the fresh fruits and vegetable separate during Primary process
(i.e. washing, grading & packaging) that helps in keeping the fresh fruits and vegetables in a
moisturizing condition for a long time and also save the cost of spoilage. Post-harvesting
techniques is required to improve the quality and storability of Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Treatments that can be applied to minimize water loss in fruits and vegetables include:
I.
II.

Packaging in polymeric films that act as moisture barriers.

Waxing and the use of other surface coatings on commodities, such as apple,
citrus fruits, nectarine, peach, plum, pomegranate, and tomato.
III. Curing of certain root vegetables, such as garlic, onion, potato, and sweet
potato.
IV. Careful handling to avoid physical injuries, which increase water loss from
produce.
V. Addition of water to those commodities that tolerate misting with water, such as
leafy vegetables.

2. Numbers of cold storage facilities and warehouses should be increased through PPP (Public
Private Partnership) principle.
3. All fruits and vegetables have a 'critical temperature' below which undesirable and
irreversible reactions or 'chill damage' takes place. Carrots for example blacken and
become soft, and the cell structure of potatoes is destroyed. The storage temperature always
has to be above this critical temperature. One has to be careful that even though the
thermostat is set at a temperature above the critical temperature, the thermostatic oscillation
in temperature does not result in storage temperature falling below the critical temperature.
Even 0.5C below the critical temperature can result in chill damage. So concern authority
should set-up multi-chamber cold storage facilities(climatically controlled)
4. Disruption in power supply and lack of awareness among the farmers have made the
existing cold storage facilities of the State ineffective, despite there being
a growing demand from the farming community and the intelligentsia for more such
facilities. So concern authority first aware the farmers about the benefit of cold storage
facilities and also provide sufficient power to them so that the stored Agri-produces do not
get spoiled

76

5. Cold storage facilities should be provided near to the village/ producing areas so that
producer gets immense benefit of that.

6. Farmers and marketer also think to transport their fruits and vegetable through railway in
that place where the road condition is horrible, it leads to save both time and money in
terms of cost.
7. Rural Road of the Assam should be improved under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana(PMGSY)
8. Marketers feel that there is inadequate storing capacity so government should setup new
Mandy/ sabji market (wholesale market only) where cold storage facilities are available.
9. Fresh fruits and vegetables require a special kind of packaging, so that we can control the
damages in term of spoilage of fruits & vegetables by using special types of packaging
facilities .So Marketers should use special type of packaging facilities to preserve the
vegetables and fruits. Today the marketers used corrugated boxes but that not enough to
secure the fresh fruits from damage, it require some moisturising plastic & wax-paper
packaging that give the moisture to the fruits.

10. Inefficient & Imperfect markets: Due to prevalence of many intermediaries and
malpractices followed by them in the price fixation and auction of the perishables in
between the marketing channel results in up-rise of consumers price in the producers
share.so government should empower the government agencies (like APMCAgricultural Produce Market Committee, NABARD, NERAMAC Ltd. etc.) who
deal as intermediaries between farmer to consumers and fair market so that both farmers
and consumers are free from exploitation from unnecessary intermediaries. It also helps in
reducing the long marketing channels which acts as an obstacles.
11. Parking facilities available in the market yard is pathetic so concern Authority should
provide adequate parking facilities. Concern Authority should place a No entry in
market for vehicle during market hours (9 a.m to 5 p.m) & big commercial vehicle should
not be allowed in the market after 9.am (in market hours) so that other commercial
vehicle moves smoothly that require by the market.
12. A special commercial vehicles like Refrigerators vehicles are needed to the transporters to
transport the vegetables and fruits .

77

CONCLUSION
The agricultural marketing system is a link between the farm and the non-farm sectors.
It involves all the aspects of market structure or system, both functional and institutional, based
on technical and economic considerations, and includes pre and post-harvest operations,
assembling, grading, storage, transportation and distribution. The expansion in the size of farm
output stimulates forward linkages by providing surpluses or food which requires
transportation, storage, processing, packaging and retailing to the consumers.
Marketing of horticultural crops is complex especially because of perishability,
seasonality and bulkiness. Fruits and Vegetables are an item of daily consumption, they are
essential in human diet but they are very perishable in nature. Therefore, the cultivation of
fruits and vegetables is generally concentrated around towns and cities, so that they can be
harvested and transported to the nearby market immediately and in fresh form. With the
increase in transport and communication facilities, fruits and vegetables cultivation has spread
in interior areas where irrigation facilities are available. So it requires a well transportation,
storage, processing, packaging and retailing to the consumers.
So, the basic thing that require for marketing of fruits and vegetable i.e. physical infrastructure
that are in pathetic condition in Assam. Basic problems identified in this project are as follows:

Assam roads are congested and of poor quality

Inadequate roads/highways

Rural areas have poor access

Huge effect of monsoon.

Urban centers are severely congested

Inadequate storage facility (both cold storage and warehouses)

Inadequate parking space

Adequate packaging facilities is not available to preserve the fruits and vegetables

Rail connectivity is not available in whole north-east.

Government should take care of the basic need of the marketers and others parties involved in
it to enhance the marketing facilities of fruits and vegetable. Fruits and vegetable are the basic
need of the people consumed daily and fruits and vegetables highly perishable in nature so it
requires special care.

78

APPENDICS

79

APPENDIX
A- BIBLOGRAPHY

I. BOOKS
1. Kothari, C.R., Research Methodology -Methods and techniques,
Reprint Edition, 2010, New Age International Publisher

2. Kotler Philip, Marketing Management, Eleventh Edition, 2002,

Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi,

II. WEBSITES:
1. www.neramac.com

as viewed on 02/06/2011

2. www.wikipedia.org

as viewed on 02/06/2011

3. www.asmp.org

as viewed on 8/06/2011

4. www.nhb.org.in

as viewed on 28/06/2011

80

QUESTIONNAIRE
Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh fruits and
Vegetables in Assam
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a student of MBA , Assam University, Silchar doing a summer

training project in North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC) of India
Enterprise, under the ministry of DoNER, Guwahati on the topic of Study on Transportation and
Marketing facilities for fresh fruits and Vegetables in Assam

I request you to kindly give some precious time of yours in filling up the questionnaire and thereby extend
your co-operation. I assure that the information given by you will be kept strictly confidential and used only
for academic and research purpose.
Thanking You,
Kailash Prasad Khandelia
Dept. of Business Administration
Assam University
Silchar

Name of transporters: ..........................................................................................................................

Address: ..............................................................................................................................................
Contact number/ E-mail: ................................................................................................................................
SCHEDULE FOR THE Transporters (.)
1. Type of vehicle used for transportation of perishable Agri-Horti Produce? Specify.
2. Frequency of Transport:
Daily
Thrice a week

Once a week
As per requirement

Twice a week

3. What will be the minimum average load that you carry weekly? Specify..
4. What percentage of Agri-Horti produce you think get spoil while on transportation?
Specify..

5. Did green vegetable products have high transportation cost or low in compare to other normal
goods? High
Low

6. In which place you provide loading facilities?

Farm

Market/Bazaar

In Both

7. Road condition of North-East:

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

8. Did adequate parking facilities available in the market yard? If yes then rate it. Yes
Excellent

Good

Poor

No

Vary bad

9. Any special transportation package/scheme etc you get from Government agencies
Etc. Specify ..
10. Your comments for transporting perishable goods from North East, if any.

Signature of Respondents

82

QUESTIONNAIRE
Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh fruits and
Vegetables in Assam
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a student of MBA , Assam University, Silchar doing a summer training project in

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC) of India Enterprise, under the
ministry of DoNER, Guwahati on the topic of Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh
fruits and Vegetables in Assam

I request you to kindly give some precious time of yours in filling up the questionnaire and thereby extend
your co-operation. I assure that the information given by you will be kept strictly confidential and used only
for academic and research purpose.

Thanking You,
Kailash Prasad Khandelia
Dept. of Business Administration
Assam University
Silchar

Name: ..............................................................................................................................................
Address: ..............................................................................................................................................
Contact number/ E-mail: ................................................................................................................................
SCHEDULE FOR THE Marketing facilities (..)
1. A) Are you aware of any nearby cold storage?

Yes

No

Yes

No

B) Do you use the facilities of cold storage?

C) Reasons for not using cold storage facilities..

2. Are You Satisfy with the present Storing capacity of perishable produces?

Yes

No

3. What is your storing capacity of perishable produces? Specify

4. Adequate transportation facilities are available for green vegetable and fruits in NE?
Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

5. Did transporters deliver the perishable goods in time or not?

6. (a) Did transporters overload the perishable products?

Yes
Yes

No
No

(b) What is the %age spoilage you receive on average 5MT load.
Yes

No

%age Spoilage.

7. Well processing unit, washing and grading facilities are available in the market Yard.
Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

8. Did proper packaging facilities available for marketing of green vegetable and fruit in NE?
Yes
No
9. Do you have a dedicated shelve/platform to keep your perishable produce in the cold storage?
Yes
No
10. Do you have a clean & clear place /area where u sells the product?

Yes

No

11. Rate the Parking facilities in the market yard?

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

12. Rate the loading/unloading facilities in the market yard?

Excellent

Good

Poor

Vary bad

13. Your comments on marketing facilities available in North East, if any.

Signature of Respondents

84

QUESTIONNAIRE
Study on transportation and marketing facilities available for green vegetable
and fruit in North-East
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a student of MBA , Assam University, Silchar doing a summer training project in

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC) of India Enterprise, under the
ministry of DoNER, Guwahati on the topic of Study on Transportation and Marketing facilities for fresh
fruits and Vegetables in Assam

I request you to kindly give some precious time of yours in filling up the questionnaire and thereby extend
your co-operation. I assure that the information given by you will be kept strictly confidential and used only
for academic and research purpose.

Thanking You,
Kailash Prasad Khandelia
Dept. of Business Administration
Assam University
Silchar

Name: ...............................................................................................................................................
Address: ...........................................................................................................................................
Contact number/ E-mail: ................................................................................................................................
SCHEDULE FOR FARMERS (.)
1 .a) Do you sell your Agri-produce in the market by yourself?
b) Do you supply to the wholesaler, Retailer Etc.?

Yes

No

Yes

No

2. a) Where is your nearest place (in KM) where you sells your Agri-product ?
Specify
b) The mode of road transportation you generally use for transporting produces from your farm to the
market? Specify

3. Frequency of supply
Daily

Once a week

twice a week

thrice a week

4.a) Do you have adequate cold storage facilities near your farm?

as per requirement
Yes

b) Are you accessible to the Cold Storage facilities available at the market yard? Yes

No
No

5. Which mode of transportation you use?

Road

Railway

Waterway

Other

6. Why you prefer Road Transportation? Less expensive

Near to farm

Easy access any place

Fast transportation

Other

7. Reasons for not using railway as a medium of transportation?

Expensive

Slow transportation

Booking problems

far from farm

Mishandling

Other....

8. Do you have adequate packaging facilities?

Yes

No

9. Your comments on marketing facilities and transportation available in North East, if any.

..

Signature of Respondents

86