Perception of Farmers Regarding their Role in Value Chains of Potatoes and Peas in Punjab

Description

Page: 264-268

Dinkle and Sukhmani (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

Potato has emerged as the most significant crop in terms of both area and production in India, as well as in Punjab. Similarly, peas play an important role in Punjab’s vegetable sector, serving as a popular crop for local consumption and trade due to their high demand and nutritional value. According to production criteria, potatoes and peas are the top two vegetables in Punjab. This study was conducted to analyze farmers’ perceptions regarding their role in the value chains of potatoes and peas in Punjab. Farmers’ perceptions were measured through a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to calculate means and percentage frequencies, and inferential statistics, including a one-sample t-test and Cronbach’s alpha, to assess reliability and significance. The findings revealed that farmers of potatoes and peas significantly agreed with their roles in the respective value chains in Punjab. The results underscore the importance of farmers’ active participation in these value chains. However, it was recommended to organize training sessions to improve farmers’ understanding of the value chain, including the importance of processing, storage, marketing, and distribution, Promote farmer awareness of export opportunities, Provide incentives for setting up small-scale processing units for peas and potatoes at the farm or community level.