Comparative Economic Analysis of Marketing of Aster in Pune District

Abstract

The prosperity of the cultivators depends not only upon the increased rate of production but also on the method and efficiency with which they dispose off their produce to their great advantages. The Pune district is selected purposively as it occupies highest area (900 ha.) under aster in Maharashtra. Total 90 farmers were selected accordingly size group. Based on findings, it is concluded that the average per quintal cost of marketing was ^287.82 and ^312.03 in kharif and rabi season, respectively. Of the total marketing cost, the items such as commission, transport charges and packing material cost were observed to have higher share in total marketing cost, which accounted for 46.70, 42.36 and 4.60 per cent, in kharif season while, 46.58, 41.47 and 5.37 per cent in rabi season, respectively. The net price realized by the aster growers was relatively more in Mumbai market (^3958.35/q.) as compared to Pune market (^3582.77/q.) for the aster flowers grown in kharif season. Hence, the aster growers may give more preference to Mumbai market for selling the aster flowers in kharif season. High cost in packaging was major constraints followed by labour problem and time consuming operation were expressed by 48.88, 45.55 and 22.22 per cent growers, respectively.