Developing Value Chain Map for Maize in Samastipur district Bihar- Methodological Approach

Abstract

Traditionally, Bihar is major maize producing state, where maize is consumed as food, feed and fodder. In India, 71% of maize is utilized for processing but in Bihar, only 8-10% is being processed. The present study found that processing unit was more economically feasible compared to production unit in terms of net return, break even yield, benefit cost ratio etc. Market efficiency and shared in consumers’ price was higher for channels V, VII and VIII for processors and channel III for farmers. The driving forces scores (105.93) was higher than restraining forces (56.6) to promote value chain which indicated favourable environment for processing. There were various factors which contributed to driving forces like access to raw material, suitable variety, labour, institutional support etc. on the other hand numerous restraining forces also existed like lack of training, its follow ups, diversification support, interrupted power supply etc. The study suggests that, we should focus on reducing restraining forces and increasing driving forces through commodity and community based processing centre at each district, single window delivery information system to agri-start ups and extending more institutional support.