Production processing and marketing of kokum Garcinia indica in konkan region of Maharashtra an economic analysis

Abstract

Kokum (Garcinia indica) is one of the most important indigenous tree spice having newlinenumerous medicinal properties. The value addition to the kokum fruits through processing newlineassumes an important activity because raw/ripe fruits needs to be processed before their newlineconsumption. In this context, kokum crop has attained the status of economical importance. newlineThe growth rate on area and production of kokum increased significantly over a newlineperiod (1990-2004) for both Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, where in only this crop is newlinebeing commercially cultivated. The per hectare cost of establishment of kokum orchard for newlineinitial five years was found to be higher (Rs.69,205.67) in grafted kokum orchard as compared newlineto seed origin kokum orchard (Rs.38,883.96). The cost of production of seed origin kokum newlineorchard at overall level was worked out to Rs.26,424.20 per ha whereas it was Rs.42,826.49 newlineper ha for grafted orchard. For this cost structure kokum fruit production was observed to be newlinehighest in seed origin orchard compared to grafted orchard. The seed origin orchards newlineenjoying this performance due to early orchard establishment. newlineThe financial feasibility test in kokum plantation for grafted kokum orchard as well as newlineseed origin kokum orchard were positive and indicated the kokum cultivation observed to be newlineeconomically feasible. newlineThe profitability ratio in kokum, processing units indicated that all the processing units newlineof kokum were in the position to protect their equity and generated proportionately income on newlinethe particular equity. The ratio of net profit to fixed assets was highest (9.47) in kokum RTS newlineunit due to it s lower level of investment made in the fixed assets compared to 2.21 and 6.20 newlinein kokum syrup and rind respectively. It was also observed that Rs.10,31,875.53 realized at newlineoverall level as the net return per factory by processing kokum fruit into kokum syrup, kokum newlineagal, kokum rind and kokum RTS. newlineThe processed product like kokum syrup and kokum agal incurred the highest newlinemarketing cost (Rs.1.88/litre) compared to others pro