CIRDAP is going to organize its next webinar titled ‘why do Organized and Unorganized Marketing Channels Co-exist? A Case of Milk Marketing in Nepal’ on February 12, 2025. The honorable speaker is Binoy Goswami, PhD Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, South Asian University, Maidan Garhi, and New Delhi, India. Abstract Marketing channels ensure that agricultural produces reach their target consumers, fetch fair prices, and contribute to the overall profitability of farming enterprises. Particularly for perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, milk, and so on, marketing channels are essential. This paper examinesthe dynamics of milk marketing channels in Nepal through a case study of 103 milk-producing farmers in Lalitpur district. The findings reveal that larger milk producers predominantly prefer organized marketing channels, such as milk collection centers operated by cooperatives or the private sector, whereas smaller producers utilize both organized and unorganized channels, including direct sales to households and businesses. An analysis of the factors influencing the choice of marketing channel highlights that pecuniary transaction costs are minimal for producers. However, unorganized channels involve significant non-pecuniary transaction costs such as, challenges in transporting milk to points of sale and handling fluctuations in milk production. On the other hand, fat-based pricing system in the organized channels discourages farmers from choosing these channels. Both exploratory and regression analyses validate these results. The study explains the coexistence of organized and unorganized channels in terms of the distinct advantages that each type of channel offers. Furthermore, it identifies several socio-economic factors that shape producers’ choices of marketing channels. The paper contributes to theunderstanding of the dynamics of milk marketing, and provides valuable implications for policy and practice in Nepal’s dairy sector. To attend the webinar, click here for the zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/95124674993?pwd=GlmaMO7gMgJpQpIAWbihvsbOD87Sjh.1Meeting ID: 951 2467 4993Passcode: 656793

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) has launched a dedicated social media campaign in celebration of World Rural Development Day highlighting the significance of rural development across the globe. The campaign will showcase successful rural development initiatives, promote inclusive policies, and engage the global community in advocating for rural prosperity. The campaign, launched in the beginning with New Year’s celebrations, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of rural development across the world. It focuses on the transformative potential of rural areas in driving sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for millions.Dedicated website for the event https://worldruraldevelopmentday.org/ has been activated.10

CIRDAP celebrated the New Year in a vibrant manner, hosting a special program at the scenic Chameli House Garden. The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Director General, HE Dr. P.Chandra Shekara, who delivered an insightful speech and symbolically cut the cake to mark the occasion. Throughout the program, all CIRDAP staff members expressed their personal commitment to strengthening the organization. The campaign, launched in the beginning with New Year’s celebrations, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of rural development across the world. It focuses on the transformative potential of rural areas in driving sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for millions.Dedicated website for the event https://worldruraldevelopmentday.org/ has been activated.