International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Anirban Jana, Nishi Sharma, Rabindra Padaria, AK Singh, Sitaram Bishnoi, Awadhesh Dixit and Ankit Pal

abstract
An assessment was conducted in 2023 to analyse the various value chains of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in North Western Plain Zone of India. In all, 101 respondents were selected using multistage random sampling method. The respondents included 60 farmers, eight traders, eight commission agents, eight millers, eight wholesalers, eight retailers and one FPO. Analysis of value chain was done on the basis of value addition, marketing efficiency and net marketing margin. Moreover, the study also calculated cost of cultivation, net farm income and return on investment from wheat farming. Results demonstrated four value chains of wheat in the study area. The chain involving farmers, FPO bodies and government agencies had the highest marketing efficiency (17.48) wherein farmers fetch ?2770 per quintal of wheat in the fourth chain, compared to ?2100/, ?2150/q and ?2350/q in other value chains. The average cost of cultivation of wheat in study area was ?35,089.67 per acre (Cost C2). The average net income was ?10,777 per acre, highest for medium farmers (?11,315/acre) and lowest for marginal farmers (?10,147/acre). Finally, the average ROI for wheat cultivation was 0.305. Results indicated that a smaller number of stakeholders in the chain enhances the income of farmers. The findings may benefit researchers in analyzing value chains in other crops, helping to optimize value chains of various crops and vegetables.