A Comparative Study of the Extent of Crop Diversification and Price Realization among Users and Non-Users of Cold Storage Farm Households in Assam

Abstract

This study attempted to examine the extent of crop diversification and price realization among users and non-users of cold storage farm households in Assam. The findings revealed that the farm households using cold storage facilities exhibited a more diverse cropping pattern compared to non-user farm households. A positive storage price margin was observed for the products stored by farm households in cold storage. Moreover, farm households benefited from cold storage by storing potato seeds, but high transaction costs made storing potato output less profitable, mainly due to transportation expenses. Policies should reduce transportation costs by locating cold storage near significant production areas. Emphasis should be placed on well-planned marketing facilities to increase farmers' profitability and promote extensive cultivation of high-value horticultural crops.