Performance of Agricultural Regulated Markets in Tripura-A Quest for Rapid Development

Abstract

Regulated market occupies a place of foremost importance in the contemporary agricultural marketing scenario of Tripura. It is very much helpful for economic growth of a state and as well as for a country. At present, there are 21 regulated markets in the state of Tripura. In this state, the first regulated market was establisl1ed in the year 1964 at Bishalgarh, west Tripura. Afterward, 3 markets were regulated in 1981 and 17 markets were regulated in 1986. Since 1986, no market of Tripura has been regulated. The Government of Tripura has taken several steps to streamline the regulated market system. But, the improper functioning of most of the regulated markets and other handicaps has not changed the conditions noticeably. Still a major part of rural markets are working outside the frame of regulated market. As a matter of fact, in Tripura the structure and system of marketing and consumer distribution is mostly dominated by private traders causing a hassle in the overall development of the regulated markets. To improve the prevailing conditions of these markets, at that instant, market regulation becomes further essential. The paper overviewed the regulated markets of Tripura focusing on its present status, market practices, problems and performances. In this regard, the study basically has analyzed the physical and financial performance of regulated markets in Tripura. It provides few guidelines for the primary producers to get the best possible returns from the agricultural regulated markets. At last, some valuable suggestions have also been offered for rapid development of regulated markets in the state.