GI-tagged Hadagali jasmine in Karnataka- A production and marketing analysis

Abstract: Jasmine is one of the major commercial flower crops cultivated in all most all districts of Karnataka. Hadagali jasmine (Jasminum azoricum) grown in Huvina Hadagali taluk of newly formed Vijayanagara district has got Geographical Indication (GI) due to its unique fragrance. A large section of the farmers surrounding the villages of Huvina Hadagali cultivate jasmine as their source of livelihood. Research studies to examine the production practices, marketing and constraints associated with jasmine cultivation in Huvina Hadagali were limited. Hence, a study was undertaken to understand the production and marketing practices of Hadagali jasmine. The primary data was collected from 60 jasmine growers during 2020-21. The results of the study have shown that with the average yield of the flowers at 3,236 kg per acre, the total cost of cultivation was Rs. 2,24,069 per acre and farmers realized gross and net returns of Rs. 4,53,579 and Rs. 2,29,511 respectively. The benefit to cost ratio at 2.02 showed that the establishment and maintenance of jasmine garden was economically viable. About 70 per cent of sample farmers sold jasmine to distant markets and the trade was facilitated by commission cum wholesalers. A kilogram of GI jasmine was transformed into 20 lengths of 4-6 ft in wholesale market and are sold as strings of 1-1.5 ft in retail market at Rs.20/length. The price spread between producer and consumer in the most frequently traded channel is Rs. 280 per kg and share of the producer in consumer rupee was only 35 per cent. GI jasmine is an important source of livelihood for different value chain actors and provides ample opportunities for floriculture business. Hence, support should be extended to jasmine growers to form farmer producer organizations (FPO) which will facilitate both forward and backward linkages, explore options for value addition and promote exports to enhance farmers income.