Long description:

Study has revealed that as compare to respondents in Group 1, respondents in Group 2 were more conscious about soil and plant health and apply the nutrition accordingly. It was observed that respondents of Group 2 have done all post harvest management practices with care and faced comparatively fewer losses than respondents in Group 1. It was found that rate of rejuvenation is high in Group 2 and they had affinity towards the Royal Delicious only. However respondents in Group 1 were rejuvenating the old plants by two-three more varieties besides Royal Delicious. It was analysed that cost and return structure under traditional channels is almost same for both groups while respondents in Group 2 who follow the modern marketing channels faced comparatively lower marketing cost and entertain higher returns. It was found that marketing efficiency of Adani and Apni Mandi (Channel E) is highest respectively.