ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF JACKFRUIT CULTIVATION AND MARKETING IN KOLLI HILLS OF NAMAKKAL DISTRICT - TAMIL NADU

Jackfruit cultivation has emerged as a significant horticultural activity in the Kolli Hills of Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, due to its suitability to hilly agro-climatic conditions and increasing market demand. This study provides an economic analysis of jackfruit cultivation and its associated marketing practices, with the objective of examining cost structures, profitability, and marketing channels. The research is based on primary data collected from farmers through structured interviews, supported by secondary data from government reports and agricultural sources. The findings reveal that jackfruit cultivation is economically viable for small and marginal farmers, characterized by relatively low input costs and favorable returns, as reflected in a positive benefit -cost ratio. Labour and transportation costs constitute a major share of total expenditure, while yield levels significantly influence profitability. Despite its potential, farmers face constraints such as price volatility, inadequate storage facilities, lack of organized market access, and heavy reliance on intermediaries, which reduce their share in the final consumer price. The study identifies various marketing channels, including direct sales, local markets, and intermediary-driven supply chains, and observes that farmers engaging in direct marketing or collective institutions such as farmer-producer organizations tend to realize better prices. The study concludes that jackfruit cultivation holds strong potential as a sustainable and income generating agricultural activity in hilly regions, provided that strategic interventions are implemented to strengthen production efficiency and market linkages.