Study on marketing of button Mushroom in Prayagraj district

Abstract:

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is one of the most widely cultivated edible fungi in the world and plays an important role in improving nutrition, income, and employment opportunities. In India, mushroom cultivation has emerged as a profitable agri-business, particularly for small and marginal farmers due to its low land requirement, short production cycle, and use of agricultural residues. In Uttar Pradesh, especially in Prayagraj district, mushroom cultivation is expanding due to increasing urban demand and favourable market conditions. However, farmers face several marketing-related constraints that affect profitability and efficiency. The present study titled “A Study on Marketing of Button Mushroom in Prayagraj District” was conducted to analyze the socio-economic profile of mushroom growers, existing marketing channels, marketing costs, price spread, producer’s share in consumer’s rupee, marketing efficiency, and major constraints faced by farmers. The study was based on primary data collected from 100 randomly selected mushroom growers along with relevant secondary data. A multistage sampling design was adopted, and data were analyzed using statistical tools such as averages, percentages, and ratios. The findings revealed that most mushroom growers belonged to the middle age group with secondary-level education and were predominantly small and marginal farmers. Mushroom cultivation was found to be an important supplementary income source, with significant involvement of family labour. Three major marketing channels were identified: Producer → Consumer, Producer → Retailer → Consumer, and Producer → Wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer. Among these, the direct marketing channel (Producer → Consumer) was the most efficient, providing the highest producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee and the lowest marketing costs. Marketing costs and price spread increased with the number of intermediaries, reducing farmers’ profit margins. Major constraints identified included lack of cold storage facilities, price fluctuations, high transportation costs, inadequate market information, and dependence on middlemen. The study concludes that strengthening marketing infrastructure, improving cold chain facilities, and promoting direct marketing systems can significantly enhance marketing efficiency and increase farmers’ income in the study area.