Marketing Efficiency of Maize in Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to determine marketing efficiency of different maize marketing channels. The study used primary data randomly collected from 55 farmers and intermediaries from two upazilas of Gaibandha district of Bangladesh. The study identified five most prominent maize marketing channels. The channels were (i) Farmers-Farias-wholesalers-Aratdars-feed mills (ii) Farmers-wholesalers-Aratdars-feed mills (iii) Farmers-Aratdars-feed mills (iv) Farmers-wholesalers-feed mills, and (v) Farmers- Farias-Aratdars-feed mills. Among the identified channels, channel III (i. e., Farmers-Aratdars-Feed mills) was the most efficient channel. Channel IV was the next best alternative of channel III. The study explained the plausible reasons why channel III was most efficient one. The study suggested to reduce the number of intermediaries by developing a system of direct buying from farmers and selling directly to Aratdars or feed mills.