ANNOUNCEMENTS
Export of Agriculture produce requires a strong farm to consumer supply chain which essentially begins with the farmer. India has tremendous unorganized potential in states like Uttarakhand that have immense potential in horticulture related export. Additionally, farmers being the first handlers of the produce are expected to be knowledgeable about its handling and in dealing with the individuals and institutions involved for the strengthening of the backward supply chain. Being situated in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, agriculture requires, depends and expects specific requirements. Value creation at the farm level is integral for sustenance of the supply chain. Issues like the dominance of middlemen, lack of proper packaging, market information, cold storage and transport, inputs, small land holding, etc contribute to the woes of the export potential that this state possesses. The study explores the constraints that are holding back the farmers from engaging in agriculture export. The region selected for this study is the district of Uttarkashi covering 4 villages Jaspur, Dharali, Kafnol and Naugaon. The study employed a mixed method approach for an elaborate in depth understanding of the topic.
For this study four criteria were selected for analysis; training & skill development, IT & market knowledge, storage & logistics and inputs for production have been identified. Through these key areas other related aspects were explored and the results showcased that most of the villages lacked farmers cooperatives and organizations which restricted them from obtaining numerous benefits and knowledge. Infrastructure and other related developments and schemes in the state fail to reach the district of Uttarkashi due to its distance and demography. Additionally, gender disparity in skill training, control of middlemen on the farmers, lack of knowledge in dealing with companies, digital illiteracy and climate change remain to be the factors that put farmers at a disadvantage when dealing with export related entities or sector.
KEYWORDS: Agriculture export, Farmer Knowledge, backward supply chain, Horticulture, Uttarakhand.
