Q18.What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

Efficient transport and marketing are crucial for enhancing farmers' income, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring food security in India.

Transport Constraints

• Inadequate rural road connectivity and last-mile infrastructure, hindering timely movement.
• Lack of robust cold chain infrastructure (storage, reefer vans) leading to significant post-harvest losses.

Marketing Constraints

• Dominance of traditional APMC markets, often characterized by cartelization, high levies, and lack of transparency.
• Fragmented supply chains with multiple intermediaries, increasing costs and reducing farmer's share.
• Information asymmetry regarding market prices, demand, and quality standards for farmers.
• Limited access to modern logistics, grading, standardization, and processing facilities.

Addressing these systemic constraints through infrastructure development and market reforms is vital for agricultural growth and farmer welfare.