COSTS OF PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF PEACH IN SWAT KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

The current study was conducted to investigate the costs of Peach production and marketing in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objectives of the study were to calculate the cost of production and marketing, profitability and constraints. The study used primary data collected through well-structured interview schedule from 270 respondent growers having established peach orchards in six villages of District Swat during year 2010-11. The results revealed that average peach production and marketing cost per acre were Rs. 34,100 and Rs. 94,955 respectively. The major production factors were farm yard manure, various fertilizers, different pesticides and hiring of labour for application of FYM, fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation while the marketing cost include purchase of empty cartons, picking, packing, decoration materials, transportation, loading, un loading and market charges or commission. The average total gross income per acre from all peach varieties was Rs. 250,510, while the average net profit per acre from peach orchard was pointed out Rs. 121,455. Major constraints were lack of financial resources, high cost of agriculture inputs, perishable nature of the produce, pests and natural calamity attack, lack of market information, price fluctuation in national markets and high transportation cost. High yielding and disease resistance peach varieties should be introduced in the study area. Postharvest losses may be reduced by value addition and potential for export should be explored for fetching the highest returns to the peach growers.