Production, Processing and Marketing of potato in Karnataka, India- An Economic Analysis

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) popularly known as ‘The king of vegetables’, is grown in more than 100 countries in the world. Karnataka is one of the important Potato growing state in the country grown mainly in the districts of Hassan, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur and Kolar. The study was conducted to analyze Production, Processing and Marketing of Potato in Karnataka. The study reveals that Hassan district alone account for more than 41 percent potato production in the state. However production (0.40%) and productivity (9.22%) in the district during the last 5 years has shown insignificant growth rate. In Belgaum district potato production and productivity has increased with a growth rate of 5.23 and 10.26 percent which is significant. The potato processing industry is growing significantly in Belgaum and Hassan districts with a growth rate of (1.97%) and (3.82%) indicating potential opportunity for the establishment of small scale potato processing industries in these districts. Potato is mainly marketed through regulated markets by the farmers. The important regulated markets for Potato are Bangalore, Hubli, Belgaum, Hassan, Chikkaballapur and Kolar. The study reveals that vast majority of farmers (64%) are selling directly to Commission agents/Wholesalers in regulated markets. The producer who sold potato through Producer - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer realized the highest share (65%) in consumer rupee compared to other channels indicating the efficiency of this channel