Stakeholders constraints in goat marketing and meat value chain in Tamil Nadu

The present study was conducted to identify various constraints perceived by different stakeholders viz., farmers, aggregators and retailers/butchers engaged in marketing of goats and meat in Tamil Nadu. The study was carried out during 2018–19 in four districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Ramanathapuram, Thanjavur, Karur and Krishnagiri which represent the four quartiles based on the goat density cum population index (GDPI). A total of 160 goat farmers (40 from each district) and 33 aggregators and 38 retailers/butchers were randomly selected for the study. Constraints perceived by the respondents were rated using a Likert-type scale measured on three-point continuum and analyzed using principal component analysis technique. The results revealed that market infrastructure, selling of animals at market, matching irregular demand and supply were the most serious constraints perceived by the goat farmers, aggregators, and retailers/butchers respectively. Considering these findings and implications, the government and policymakers shall formulate and implement strategies and regulations with a balance interest on the stakeholders of goat marketing and meat value chain.