PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF RIDGE GOURD IN MEERUT DISTRICT OF WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH.

Uttar Pradesh occupies second place in area about 12.1 per cent of total vegetables production during 2012-13. Meerut district of western Uttar Pradesh was selected purposively in order to avoid operational in convenience. On an average gross income and net incomes of ridged gourd were worked out as Rs. 200559 and 82689. Input-output ratio was worked out as 1:1.70. The producer?s share in consumer?s rupee was worked out to be 97.45, 65.66 and 63.72 per cent marketing cost accounted i.e. Rs.65, 445 and 459 per qt., in Channel ? I, II and III. However, middlemen?s margin was Rs. 00.00, 877and 947 per quintal in Channel-II, and III. In respect of marketing efficiency Channel I (39.33 per cent) was found most efficient over other channels because none of middleman was engaged in this channel. Suggestive policy implications to overcome the production and marketing constraints of vegetables are that farmers be trained through designated extension agency by participation directly and be updated about latest farming technology and management of vegetables crop. Input supply should be linked with co-operative marketing system to help the producers & traders.