Socioeconomic Dynamics Of Wheat Distribution: Commission Agents And Social Structures In District Pakpattan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the determinants and roles of commission agents in the wheat supply chain, as well as identify the market channels and margins in Pakpattan, Punjab, Pakistan. This research work involves gathering primary and secondary data from a variety of sources. Through the application of the ordinary least square (OLS) technique, this study aims to identify the various factors that influence the quantity of wheat produced in the supply chain. Based on the results of this study, it is evident that various factors have a significant and positive impact on the quantity of wheat produced. These factors include the size of the land holding, farming experience, access to credit, education level, past prices other than government inputs, and improved input seeds. In this study, the market channel and margin are visually depicted, and the farmer's preference for middlemen (arthi) is discussed in a theoretical manner. By implementing policies that prioritise the needs of farmers, we can effectively reduce the lack of government support experienced by these individuals. These policies should aim to assist farmers during the cultivation process and also provide them with better opportunities to sell their produce. This would be a significant improvement compared to the current situation, where the government only purchases wheat from a limited number of selected farmers.