Bottlenecks analysis using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) throughout the value chain of small ruminants in India

Abstract

Bottlenecks are the obstacles that impede the accomplishment of an intended purpose and consequently, endure a dampening effect on the chain's effectiveness and profitability. This study was aimed to explore the bottlenecks confronted by small ruminant farmers in the value chain in India. A total of 385 small ruminant farmers from 11 districts of Punjab were selected purposively, proportionate to the population of small ruminants using the snow ball sampling technique. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to identify and rank the criteria and factors of the constraints. The study revealed that among overall constraints, “processing and transportation constraints” (Priority weight: 0.278) were the major bottlenecks encountered by the respondents. Pertaining to input supply constraints, “lack of access to credit, subsidy, and insurance support” was perceived as the utmost substantial challenge by the respondents (Global priority score: 0.097). High cost of concentrate feed (Global priority score: 0.071) and non-uniform methods of selling animals (Global priority score: 0.069), were topmost waivers in context of production constraints and marketing constraints, respectively. Among processing and transportation constraints, inadequate slaughtering facilities at village level (Global priority score: 0.105) was ranked first by the respondents. Low dressing percentage of local breeds of sheep and goats (Global priority score: 0.033) was perceived as the strongest constraint among miscellaneous constraints. The study concluded that the efficiency and profitability of small ruminant’s value chain is impaired by several kinds of bottlenecks. Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, research institutions, private sector entities, and farmer organizations, is necessary to overcome these bottlenecks and unlock the potential of the small ruminant’s value chain in India.