Contract farming -An efficient marketing method of Ailanthus excelsa

Farmers in Tamil Nadu have resorted to cultivation of short rotation trees in their farm lands in place of or in addition to the agricultural crops as supplement source of income. This study was taken up to assess the marketing efficiency of Ailanthus excelsa tree. Vellore, Tuticorin and Coimbatore districts were purposively selected for the study and information were collected from 30 farmers in these districts. Rank based quotient, marketing efficiency analysis and Garrett ranking techniques were the tools used to obtain the results in light of the objectives set forth. Assured market and good price scored high as reasons for preference of tree cultivation. Concurrent margin method was employed to estimate marketing efficiency and it was found high in contract farming tie up with the match industries compared to the sales through traders. Farmers expected government support in the form of subsidy, improved contract farming arrangements with industries, insurance, loan facilities and high yielding short duration clones suited to their regions. Policy decisions favouring tree farming will increase the green cover in farm lands.