PERFORMANCE OF REGULATED MARKETS IN TAMIL NADU

Analysis of the structure of Regulated Market has shown that there are 19 Regulated Markets under the control of the Tirunelveli Market Committee which are located in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. Paddy, Chillies and Cotton are the three notified crops. The perceptions of farmers towards Regulated Markets are Large farmers were ignorant of the existence of Regulated Markets and were susceptible to marketing manipulations. Small size of the holdings necessitates the need for providing services of Regulated Markets to ensure better price for their produce. It is suggested that the growers may be educated regarding the benefits of using the godowns provided by the Market Committee. It is also suggested that the Market Committee may take necessary action for improving the functional efficiency of the Regulated Markets so as to minimize delay in transactions and payments. Farmers feel the disadvantage in the location of market yards, far away from their places of residence. Poor transport facilities between villages and Regulated Markets. The surplus funds of the Market Committee should be utilized for providing loans and advances against the produce of the farmers/traders by which their participation in the Regulated Markets can be improved.