Distant Market Research Articles

Production and Marketing Constraints Faced by the Chinese Onion (Allium chinense) Growers in Nagaland

The present study was conducted to examine the in-depth information of the socio-economic and constraints faced by the respondents during the production and marketing of Chinese onion in the concerned place of study. The data were collected through personal interview schedule by the researcher by adopting the purposive simple random technique from one district and two blocks were purposely selected and three villages from each block were selected by random method, which has make a total of 90 respondents selected from the six numbers of selected villages. The study revealed that majority of the farmers (62.00%) belonged to the middle age group (40 to 61 years). The study revealed that majority of the respondents had small sized field (0.008 to 0.024 ha). Among the various constraints in technology adoption to production, problems due to pest and diseases, lack of irrigation facility, lack of proper market, were the major challenges. Lack of all weather roads, no support prices and no reliable sources of distant market information were the major constraint faced in the marketing of Chinese onion.

A Comprehensive Value Chain Analysis of Mango Production and Distribution in Saptari District, Nepal

Mango is an important fruit crop grown widely in the Saptari district of Nepal. A study was conducted in March and June 2022 under PMAMP-PIU (Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project-Project Implementation Unit), Saptari (PMAMP-PIU, 2074/75) to analyze the value chain of Mango in Saptari, which explored the functional and economic linkage among the actors. A total of 60 producers, 10 traders, 5 retailers and 2 key informants were interviewed. Data regarding production, post-harvest handling and marketing were analyzed by using descriptive and analytical methods with SPSS (version 26) and MS Excel 2021. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken in this study to generate insights into the limitations and opportunities of the mango value chain which can be used to establish the critical control points. The study identified key actors of Mango VC as input suppliers, producers, contract farmers, village-level collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Likewise, 4 marketing channels were identified in the study area. Economic analysis shows the cost of production per hectare was $1,453.71. Benefit cost analysis showed mango sub-sector is profitable business with BC ratio of 2.02. The average return was $2942.88/ha. The producers’ share was 55.28% in the proximal market and 32.25% in the distant market. Infestation of disease, insect and pest and lack of processing and post-harvest technology was major production problem. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(4): 197-208.

Perceived Constraints in High-Density Apple Cultivation by the Farmers of the Mid-Hills Area of Himachal Pradesh

The study was carried out in area of Kandaghat and Solan blocks of Himachal Pradesh, India from November 2021 to April 2022 to study the constraints in high-density apple cultivation by the farmers of the mid-hills area of Himachal Pradesh, India. The present study fully relied on the primary data through a properly structured schedule for the production year 2021–2022, with a sample size of 60 farmers involved in high-density apple plantations. Garret’s ranking technique was used to find constraints perceived by the high-density apple cultivators. The objective of the research was to identify the prevailing problems of the high-density apple sector in the selected area. In this study the major problems faced by the high-density apple growers in production were the high cost of high-density apple plants, followed by identifying the disease, costly labor, and lack of technical guidance. Major marketing-related constraints expressed in the marketing of high-density apples were the problem of fluctuation of price, the high price of transportation, distant market, and high commission charges, further the data revealed that the major environmental and other related constraints were that the grading process and certification process seemed to be costly, problems from hailstorms were also found. The study also highlighted the need of proper marketing facilities as marketing helps in improving the living standard and eliminate the constraints in product and services.

ASSESSMENT ON ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE VARIETY AND MAIZE PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN BAITADI, NEPAL

The main objective of this study is to assess the status of adoption of improved maize varieties and cultivation practices of maize in Baitadi district. This study aims to identify the determinants of adoption of improved maize variety (IMV) among farmers and their cultivation practices in Baitadi district and subsequently ascertain the factors influencing the intensity of IMV adoption. The study areas; Dashrathchand-2, Dashrathchand-9, Patan-4 and Pancheshor-6 were selected purposively as these were under the command area of maize zone. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, probit model and index score ranking method were used for the data analysis. The productivity of local variety was found 2mt/ha and improved variety was 3.51mt/ha. Majority of farmer preferred to cultivate local and improved variety with Manakamana being the most adopted improved variety. Membership of agricultural groups and training related to maize cultivation were the major determinants of improved variety adoption. Unavailability of seed in vicinity followed by higher cost of seed were the major constraints faced by the farmers in adopting improved maize variety. Distant market and gap between fragment and retail price are the major marketing problem faced by the farmers. Thus, the study concluded that improving farmers’ education, expanding coverage and depth of extension services and firming up farmer associations are suitable policy actions for promoting adoption of improved maize varieties. It is also important to address availability, accessibility and affordability issues constraining adoption of improved varieties and technologies, enhance credit access for farmers and mitigate risk perceptions.

Mobile money, transaction costs, and market participation: evidence from Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania

High transaction costs impede smallholder market participation, yet the effectiveness of past solutions to reduce transaction costs has been limited. The growing adoption of digital payments provides new perspectives to tackle market access challenges. This paper develops and tests a conceptual model grounded in transaction costs economics theory, in which mobile money improves market participation by lowering the cost of completing a transaction in a distant market. The model shows that mobile money can even be used to alleviate pricing risks due to hold-up costs. Using data from Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania, we find that mobile money commercial users are 37 percentage points more likely to participate in distant markets than non-users. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of potential synergies between the policies aimed at facilitating mobile money use and efforts directed at enhancing market participation, as well as potential negative effects from taxation policies targeting digital markets in developing economies.

Identification of appropriate maturation stages and postharvest treatment for tomato fruits of the "Pearson" variety for local and distant markets

This study was conducted under ambient condition at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty in Kabul University, Afghanistan. The objectives were to identify suitable harvesting maturity stages for tomato crop that will result in adequate shelf life of tomato fruits for local and distant markets. The results indicated that fruits of the turning color stage treated with 6 % CaCl2 solution had the best quality and highest shelf life (17.5 days) compared to other treatments. Whereas, based on the significant main effect the 15.38 and 14.17 days’ highest shelf life recorded for tomatoes of H1 (turning color stage) and D1 (dipped in 6 % CaCl2 solution) respectively. The TSS (oBrix) and PLW (%) increased till the end of storage life but the tomato fruits’ firmness (g cm-2) decreased. The lowest values noted as 4.79 and 4.74 (oBrix) TSS and 3.31 and 2.93 (%) PLW but the highest tomatoes firmness were 932.50 and 854.17 (g cm-2) recorded all for fruits of H1 (turning color stage) and D1 (dipped in 6 % CaCl2 solution), respectively. In conclusion, the turning color, pink color and light red color stage’s fruits of the Pearson variety are recommended harvesting of fruits of Pearson variety for the distant market, local market, and immediate use, respectively and the 6 % CaCl2 solution could increase shelf life and maintain tomato quality.

A study on Marketing Channels and Efficiency, and Factors Influencing the Selection of Marketing Channels by the Pomegranate Growers in Karnataka

Karnataka is the third largest producer of pomegranate in India. Pomegranate holds 6th position in overall fruit production with share of 4.5% next to Papaya (6%) in the state of Karnataka during 2019-20. Chitradurga and Tumkur districts were selected based on the major pomegranate cultivating areas in South Karnataka. This study was proposed to identify the marketing channels and it’s efficiency, and factors influencing the selection of marketing channels by the pomegranate growers in Karnataka. From the selected pomegranate producing districts, four taluks were selected for the study, i.e., Hiriyur and Hosadurga taluks from Chitradurga district, Sira and Pavagada taluks from Tumkur district. From each taluk 30 sample respondents were selected, a total of 120 sample respondents were selected randomly for the study. In addition a sample of 40 market intermediaries were selected, i.e., pre-harvest contractors, commission agents cum wholesalers, wholesalers, and retailers from each 10 respondents were selected, to workout marketing cost and marketing margins for pomegranate. Based on the study findings, three different marketing channels were prominently followed by the pomegranate growers in the selected districts. Channel I: Producer → Pre-harvest contractor → Commission agent cum wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer, Channel II: Producer → Commission agent cum wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer and Channel III: Producer → Wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer. The study also revealed that 59.2% of the sample respondents followed channel I, 26.7%, followed channel II and 14.2% followed channel III. Further, it was found out that, channel I has low marketing efficiency i.e., 1.412, compared to Channel II (1.542) and channel III (1.932).The Channel III has more efficiency (1.932) because the total marketing cost incurred in the channel III was low i.e., ₹. 2258.7 per quintal, compared to channel I (₹. 2914.26 per quintal), and channel II (₹. 3067.5 per quintal). The results on the factors influencing the selection of marketing channels by the pomegranate growers was analyzed by using the relative importance index. The findings revealed that factors influencing to select channel I are high price fluctuations in the market, distant market, high transportation cost, ease of selling at the farm gate, and non-availability of storage and warehouse facilities, are relatively more important factors. The study also concluded that factors influencing to select channel II and channel III in the study area are availing market regulated prices, bulk sales, availing better rates or prices, timely payment, and price fixation by APMC are relatively more important factors. Profit maximization and searching for fruit exporters and bulk buyers is the main intention to choose channel II and channel III by the pomegranate growers. By considering all aspects, it is concluded that majority of the sample respondents preferred to sell their produce through channel I because the ease of selling the produce at the farm gate, and to reduce the risk of transportation, storage etc.

Do Psychic Distance, International Experience and Risk-Taking Ability Matter for Indonesian SMEs in the Distant Market?

The discussion of internationalization small and medium enterprises (SMEs) internationalization is salient in international business literature. In entering and performing in distant international markets, SMEs face more significant challenges than larger firms. This research aims to analyze the effects of psychic distance, international experience, and risk-taking ability among Indonesian SMEs internationalization in a distant market. This research was carried out with a survey involving 76 SMEs in Indonesia, and then the data were analyzed using multiple regression. The result shows that although the regression model is a good fit for the data, only international experience has a significant effect. This paper contributes by providing empirical evidence of (a) factors affecting the internationalization of SMEs of an emerging market in a distant market and (b) the role of psychic distance on internationalization in the context of SMEs.

Market Identification, Opportunities, and Profitability for the Selected Seasonal Fruits in the Chittagong Hill Tracts Area of Bangladesh

The study attempts to analyze suitable markets, market opportunities, and the estimation of the profitability of the selected seasonal fruits for the market intermediaries in Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh. The study was conducted at the CHT region such as; Bandarban and Rangamati district and some parts of the Chattagram region to document the socio-economic profile of the market actors of selected fruits and identify the suitable market opportunities and profitability of those fruits in the market. The chosen samples included 86 market actors. In the study area combined, 90% of Aratdar took formal education among all the market actors. In the case of education, 35% of market actors were found who have the level of education from primary to SSC, and 30% had primary education, 29% intermediaries were found to have finished their SSC level. The frequent and common variety sent to various markets was the Rangui variety of mango as the productions of other types were not more to supply. It was also observed that other fruits like jackfruit and litchi were sold more in the local market than supplying it to the distant market. When estimating growers' share, the study found the dominant channel for mango, jackfruit, and litchi to be the same (farmer- Faria-consumer), 64%, 38%, and 57%, respectively. The efficient marketing channel for mango (2.17) was (farmer-Bepari-Aratdar-retailer-consumer). For jackfruit, (farmer-Bepari-Aratdar-consumer) was found to have an efficient channel (1.27), and for litchi, (farmer-Faria-consumer) had the highest marketing efficiency (2.00).

Market chain analysis of goat in south omo zone of SNNPR, Ethiopia

This study was initiated to identify market chain actors and their function in the market, investigate the structure conduct and performance of goat marketing in south omo zones of SNNPR, Ethiopia during the year 2018. Primary data were collected from sampled pastoralists and agro pastoralists, traders and brokers. Before the household survey, key informant interview and focus group discussions were conducted with producers, traders and brokers. Descriptive Statistics and qualitative data analysis techniques were employed to analyze the goat market structure, conduct and performance. The results show that producers, brokers, traders and consumers were the major goat market actors. Regarding the market structure, cattle market is known to be dominated by few traders. Although the degree of competition varies, goat market structure in the study area has an oligopolistic nature. This shows that only few traders have the majority of market share and earn abnormal profit. Besides, goat market is characterized by entry barriers, distant market point, high trucking cost, seasonality of marketing, information asymmetries and unfriendly relation between actors. As the pastoralists and agro pastoralists mainly depend on goat for their livelihoods and other cultural values, traders take advantage of the asymmetric market information towards them. The larger share of the market gains remains with end traders thereby limiting the pastoralists and agro pastoralists chance to realize the economic gains in goat production. Thus, linking producers to market and its benefits, establishing cooperatives and development of infrastructure could play a significant role for optimization of the sector. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 52-60, Dec 2021

Internationalization of China’s medical device industry: a case study in Brazil

Purpose The singularity of being the first Chinese manufacturer of drug-eluting stents to arrive in Brazil and the country being selected as the company's first experience outside its home country motivated the interest in the study of this case, vis-à-vis with the characteristic of internationalization medical device companies according to the Uppsala model. Considering this context, the following research question was outlined: “How did Microport internationalize before the distribution of its stents product in Brazil?” The aim of the study is to investigate Microport's internationalization process for the distribution of its drug-eluting stents in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research under the qualitative method was adopted. It chose the single case study as a procedure for data collection, as it is a revealing, exemplary subject that offers opportunities for access to unusual research. The company MicroPort was chosen because in the period when Chinese medical device companies were focused on gaining market share in China, MicroPort began its international expansion, choosing Brazil as the first country to have its own subsidiary. It consists in the case of the internationalization of a high-tech EMNE in an emerging country that has institutional and cultural differences. Findings Taking advantage of new technology in highly internationalized environments favors its insertion; the internationalization of medical technology can expand according to the Uppsala Model, which does not explain internationalization, but rather its evolution. Cultural and behavioral issues reinforce that the development of the market for medical devices depends on local perspectives and values. The formation of an ecosystem in the local market for internationalization is observed. One implication of the study is that MicroPort's experience and the application of the Uppsala model for international expansion can serve as an important learning experience for Brazilian multinational companies. Research limitations/implications Empirical analysis carried out in the context of a single company. Although the results can be used as lessons learned from the application of the Uppsala model for international expansion of EMNE in an emerging market, caution should be exercised when generalizing its findings. Future studies could carry out comparative cases considering other emerging multinational companies, from the same sector or even from different industries, investing in other emerging markets. There is a limitation of the fact that the case studied does not explore the concepts of the later stages of the Uppsala model. Practical implications High-tech EMNEs internationalizing in other markets need to adopt aggressive strategies. The need to adopt different strategies for supply chain operations according to the specificities of the markets in which they operate. Important contributions to the Uppsala model, with regard to the process of passing stages, learning and networking. The findings of this study have similarities to the process described as a sequence of distinct phases of activities. Social implications A local top management team is essential to deal with institutional issues of government agencies when EMNE is internationalized in a culturally distant market. When there are major institutional differences between the country of origin and the host country, the autonomy in the management of the foreign subsidiary positively influences the acceleration of the internationalization process of companies in the high-tech sector. When there are major institutional differences between the country of origin and the country of destination, the use of local social networks positively influences the acceleration of the internationalization process of companies in the high-technology sector. Originality/value Regardless of these limitations, the study provided an exciting case of internationalization of a Chinese company in Brazil operating in a high-tech medical sector. The challenges for the internationalization of EMNEs continue, which makes it opportune for future studies to include more research in this area. The propositions suggested in the study may be the first step.

Out of the Comfort Zone! Family Leaders’ Subsidiary Ownership Choices and the Role of Vulnerabilities

Based on the socioemotional wealth approach and a sample of 3,904 subsidiary ownership choices made by 586 family firms, this study shows that family-managed firms (i.e., those family firms with a family member in a leadership position) prefer wholly owned subsidies over joint ventures when entering foreign markets. Family-managed firms are also more likely to revise their subsidiary ownership choices and form joint ventures when in vulnerability conditions, that is, when they experience performance below aspirations and when entering a culturally distant market.

STATUS OF FISH HATCHERY AND NURSERY MANAGEMENT IN, DHANUSHA, NEPAL

The study was conducted to overview status of fish hatchery and nursery management. The main occupation of owners is hatchery business and 23% owners run as side business. 23% of respondents reared fifteen species including major seven species Rupchand, Puntius, Basai, Bhagi, Bata, Magur and Black carp. 30.8% respondents use brood stock from other hatchery of different place for cross breeding to reduce stress, inbreeding depression and to increase disease resistance, growth, performance and production. 61.53% respondents do not monitor the pond to check water quality pararameters like DO, pH and turbidity of water. The average hatchlings, fish fry and fingerling survivality was found 31.10%, 57% and 64% respectively. The problem encountered were flood, predator, unavailability of feed, hormone, fertilizer, skilled manpower and water shortage. The B/C ratio in private hatchery was 1.59 and 1.31 in government hatchery. Most of the respondents use motorcycle (53.8%) as means of transportation of fish seed. The main severe disease was learnaea followed by argulus. The inputs used in nursery management were less than that of recommended dose. High stocking density of fingerlings found (546.15kg/kattha). 69.23% of respondents sold fish, fry and fingerlings to distant market and 30.8% of fish farmers sold their fish seed products in local market. About 75%, 20% and 5% of hatchery fish seed production transferred through channel 1, channel 2 and channel 3 respectively. The problems faced in market were trader monopoly followed by open boarder, road inaccessibility, transportation loss and lack of market information

Preliminary study on improved postharvest practices for tomato loss reduction in Nigeria, Rwanda and India

Tomato production is increasing along with postharvest losses in Nigeria, Rwanda and India. Modified Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology on tomato was conducted in the study areas during the July – August 2017 harvest season to evaluate the costs and benefits of improved postharvest practices or technologies that will reduce losses in the value chain. The use of colour chart as maturity index to harvest tomato fruit at breaker stage for long distant market in Rwanda when adopted showed that tomatoes were better protected from mechanical injury during handling and generated an immediate increased profit of US$170 for each 1000 kg load when compared with handling tomato fruit harvested at full ripe stage. In Nigeria, the use of a Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) resulted in reduction of tomato loss to five percent when compared with the current practice of immediate sales of harvested produce with loss of 40%. This simple ZECC technology and use of Reusable Plastic Crates (RPC) reduced loss from 30% to 10% and increased the earnings of the farmer/trader in Rwanda. In comparison, in India the use of maturity indices and RPCs during harvesting and transport of tomato was common, and resulted in lower postharvest losses during marketing.

The Determinants of Meat Import Performance in ASEAN Countries

Research aims: The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of Gross Domestic Product, exchange rate, and distance on the meat import performance of ASEAN countries both partially and simultaneously.Design/Methodology/Approach: Purposive sampling method was adopted to determine the research sample. The data used were the annual secondary data of ASEAN countries in the period of 2012-2018, collected from trademap.org, World Bank, and macmap.org. Multiple Linear Regression was employed to analyze the data.Research findings: The regression analysis results showed that GDP and exchange rate did not affect meat import performance. Meanwhile, distance had a partially significant negative effect on meat import. However, GDP, exchange rate, and distance had a significant effect on meat imports simultaneously.Theoretical contribution: Previous researchers have used economic distance in their study to see its impact on imports. Nevertheless, there has not been much research done using geographical distance as an antecedent variable. The distant market has to incur large-fixed costs, which can only be supported if the export value is large. The negative impact of distance on imported meat must be taken seriously. AANZFTA supposedly gives a contribution to the member countries thoroughly to export goods and services. It is to increase per capita income so that it can be used to improve the transportation system.Implication policy: ASEAN officials are suggested to encourage the member countries to provide better transportation facilities to eliminate geographical distance barriers and further support SMEs and other business actors' engagement. Due to the limitation of this research, it is suggested that further research should consider using other commodities to measure the import performance.

VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA L.) IN SAPTARI DISTRICT, NEPAL

A study in value chain of mango in Saptari district of Nepal was conducted during January 2019 to June 2020 in Surunga municipality, Khadak municipality, Balan Bihul rural municipality, Rajbiraj municipality, Agni Sair rural municipality, Shambhunath municipality and Kanchanrup municipality. The study sites were purposively selected as these sites were command areas of PMAMP PIU, Saptari. Total 61 mango growers and 7 traders were randomly selected for the survey. Household survey, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informants Interviews were primary sources of data from which information was analyzed and concluded. By the virtue of increasing trend of mango production, farmers were able to produce large quantity of mango despite eminent problems of irrigation and diseases and insects. But, due to middlemen monopolized market system and negligible efforts for value addition practices like storage facility, packaging, cleaning and other processing technology, farmers were compelled to receive lower farm gate price yet retail prices of those produces were high. However on small scale, mango growers were involved in production of diversified products like Aamil, chutneys, achaar, amot etc. of which 37.7% of mango growers sold them in the market. Producers share in short distance market was higher (45.12 %) while it was lower (31.02%) in distant market. Likewise, marketing margin in distant market was higher (Rs. 55.18) than in short distance market (Rs. 30.18). Farmer added value worth Rs. 9.76 in both proximity markets and distant markets, wholesalers added Rs. 10.18 in proximity market and Rs. 12.68 in distant market and retailers added Rs. 20 in proximity market and Rs.35 in distant market to existing value of mango suggesting immense disparity in value addition. Having immense scope for value addition, it was required to strengthen marketing system, establish processing industries, and mobilize resources to increase bargaining power of mango growers in Saptari.

Effects of calcium chloride treatment on softening in red raspberry fruit during low-temperature storage.

Fruit softening is an inevitable event during ripening of red raspberry fruit even when stored at low temperature. In this research, the effects of CaCl2 treatment on softening of red raspberry during storage at 4°C were studied. The results indicated that CaCl2 treatment effectively delayed the decrease of firmness and reduced the respiration rate of red raspberry fruit during storage. The CaCl2-treated fruit maintained higher protopectin content and lower soluble pectin content compared with controls. The cellulose and starch contents in the fruit treated with CaCl2 kept higher than in the control during storage. Moreover, CaCl2 treatment decreased activities of polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME), and cellulase (Cx) mainly at the early stage of softening. Application of CaCl2 lead to the decreased activities of amylase (AM) and β-galactosidase (β-gal) compared with controls during the entire storage periods. These results indicated that CaCl2 treatment might delay postharvest softening of red raspberry fruit stored at low-temperature by retarding cell wall degradation and starch hydrolysis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Red raspberry fruit is very popular with consumers because of its high-nutritional value and anticancer effects. However, it has a very short postharvest life and softens easily even when stored at low temperature, which limits its distribution to distant market. Our data indicated that CaCl2 treatment delayed postharvest softening of red raspberry fruit stored at low temperature. The results could provide preliminary yet essential information to research community to further study the molecular mechanisms of softening in red raspberry fruit, and also provide reference data for maintaining quality of postharvest red raspberry fruit.

Effects of electron‐beam irradiation on postharvest strawberry quality

To safeguard the ecosystem and facilitate the international trade of fresh agricultural products, phytosanitary treatments, particularly newly emerged electron-beam (e-beam) irradiation, are recommended because they are eco-friendly and do not adversely affect postharvest preservation. However, the effects of this technique on “Maehyang” strawberries are unknown. Therefore, herein, the effects of e-beam irradiation (≤1 kGy) on postharvest preservation of strawberry during storage were evaluated. E-beam irradiation reduced the microbial population, decay extent, and weight loss of strawberries in a dose-dependent manner without affecting total soluble solids content, pH, and titratable acidity. During storage, total/individual phenolic contents, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activities of irradiated fruits increased more slowly than those of non-irradiated fruits and maximized at the end of the storage. E-beam irradiation prevented sensory degradation and color and firmness changes. Therefore, the e-beam-irradiation-based phytosanitary treatment can efficiently mitigate the deterioration of consumer acceptance and improve postharvest preservation of strawberries. Practical applications E-beam irradiation of strawberries with a 1-kGy dose resulted in microbial decontamination, reduction in decay extent and weight loss, inhibition of color, firmness and chemical quality changes, and sensory quality retention without adversely affecting fruit quality parameters such as total soluble solid content, pH, and titratable acidity during storage. Thus, low-dose e-beam irradiation can be used for the phytosanitary treatment of strawberry to improve postharvest preservation and sensory quality. The easy transportation of these treated strawberries to otherwise unreachable distant market, as evident from our results, and the product quality improvements such as better sensory and color characteristics open opportunities for new markets and increase consumer acceptance, even at higher prices.

The power of habit: does production experience lead to pesticide overuse?

The influence of farmers' production experience on pesticide overuse is empirically analyzed by an endogenous switching probit model of pesticide use time, type, and dosage, based on survey data of 836 rice farmers in the Yangtze River Basin of China. We find that farmers' production experience is an important cause of pesticide overuse, especially for small-scale farmers. Older, self-sufficient, small-scale, non-cooperative members and rice farmers with distant market towns are more likely to use pesticides based on their personal experience. In terms of pesticide use time, type, and dosage, 35.26%, 30.10%, and 28.52% of the samples, respectively, relied on a decision based on "experience." Among them, farmers' decision-making based on production experience for pesticide type and dosage are the key causes of pesticide overuse. These results will be helpful for reducing pesticides and correcting farmers' "bad habits" within agricultural ecosystems.

Post harvest loss and marketing of fruits - economic analysis of pink flesh guava in local and distant markets in India

Guava produced in Bengaluru in Karnataka is also transported to distant markets like Cochin in Kerala and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. An assessment of post harvest loss (PHL) was done in these markets. The main marketing channel followed was:Producer  PHC  Distant Market WS Retailer  ConsumerMarketing practices followed in marketing of pink flesh guava and losses occurring at the wholesale (transit) and retailers’ level (storage) in the distant market - Kerala were studied from wholesalers and retailers. The PHL at the wholesalers’ level was observed to be 3.6 per cent mainly due to pressed and crushed fruits during transit. The retail level loss was 4.59 per cent which was mainly due to storage for more than two days resulting in decaying, rotting, yellowing etc. Average price received by the wholesaler was Rs.29.92/kg with a margin of Rs.6.21/kg (20.75%). The retailers received a price of Rs.46.54/kg with a margin of Rs.16.35/kg (35.13%). Marketing practices followed in marketing of pink flesh guava and losses occurring at the wholesale (transit) and retailers’ level (storage) in the distant market - Chennai (Tamil Nadu) were studied with wholesalers in Coimbeedu market and retailers in different parts of Chennai. The PHL at the wholesalers’ level was observed to be 4.62 per cent mainly due to pressed and crushed fruits during transit. The retail level loss was 6.09 per cent which was due to pressing of fruits during handling. The wholesaler received a margin of 22.91 percent in trading of guava fruits. The retailers received a margin of 45.72 per cent. The Karnataka farmers can take advantage of the higher prices prevalent in the distant markets and increase their income. Pathological investigation indicated that losses occurred at different stages of handling due to Styler end rot, Anthracnose, Canker, thrips attack etc., which needs to be addressed. The storage losses of pink flesh guava were estimated as 5.89 % after 4 days of storage at room temperature (24-32°C) that constituted mainly the physiological loss in weight (PLW). Spoilage started after 5 days of storage (10.5 %) and reached to 28.31 % by 6 days of storage. After 4 days of storage, guava fruits lose weight to the extent of 6 per cent and the spoilage starts after 5 days. Hence, care should be taken to dispose of the fruits within five days of harvest.