Cost, Returns and Marketing Channels of Paddy in Thiruvarur District (Tamil Nadu)

This study aims at an appraisal of marketing systems of paddy available for farmers in Thiruvarur district in terms of marketing channels, marketing cost, marketing margin, price spread and marketing efficiency. The Sample consists of 600 farmers who have been classified as small and large farmers according to their land holdings. Proportionate random sampling technique was adopted. In order to identify the key factors of marketing paddy in the study area, a Multiple Linear Regression Model, Garretts Ranking Technique, Shepherds Formula, Acharya and Agarwals Formula and Composite Index Methods were used. The structural differences between small and large farmers were tested by using Chows F-test. The results revealed the importance of middle man in the chain of marketing that starts with the producer and ends with the consumer. The study has also elucidate fruitful suggestions for the betterment of the farmers, to encourage Government machinery and to avoid exploitations of middle man of Thiruvarur District, TamilNadu.