Write short notes on the following as they relate to the marketing of agricultural produce (a) Marketing/commodity Boards (b) Co-operative Societies (c) Middlemen/Wholesalers (d) Producers
Explanation
Marketing/Commodity Boards as they relate to the marketing or agricultural produce are: (i)These are public bodies set up by the government to handle the sales of agricultural products. (ii) They stabilize the prices of produce (iii) They ensure sales promotion of export crops (iv) They render export services to farmers (v) They collect and transport crops.
(b) Co-operative Societies (i) They are trading organisations where the cooperators (members) pool their resources together with a view to making profit (ii) They stimulate competition in produce marketing (iii) They provide storage facilities (iv) They also provide transportation services (v) They can grant loans to members
(c) Middlemen/Wholesalers: (i) They buy goods in large quanitities and sell in small quantities to retailers (ii) They provide storage facilities (iii) They have good transport facilities (iv) They pass information from retailers to producers.
(d) Producers: Theysell directly to consumers (ii) Consumers get goods at reduced prices (iii) Produce get to the consumers fresh.