A Study of Fodder Value Chain in Bihar (India)

The study has explored the intricacies of fodder value chain in Bihar. It has found that paddy straw and wheat bhusa (Wheat straw) are the major fodders that account for about 95 per cent of the total marketed fodder in Bihar. Mainly four types of fodder supply chains have been identified. It has been observed that about 10 per cent of fodder is traded directly across the producers and animal rearers. This type of transaction is localized and often practiced within the same village or nearby villages. Trader-I has been identified as the bullock cart owner, vendor or other small assembler, Trader-II is the wholesaler, and Trader-III is the retailer, who sells to the ultimate user. The agent facilitates trading by providing his services in lieu of some commission charges. The study has reported that fodder gains up to 240 per cent value in the process of transaction from the farm producers to ultimate consumers. Transportation is the major activity that accounts for about 36 per cent in total cost addition. Lack of storage facilities, policy environment and other institutional support like access to credit have been identified as the major constraints