Role of the Middleman & Neglected Aspects

Middleman most commonly known as commission agents, arhtis, beopari and retailers are the bridge between buyers and farmers for auction facilitation, arranging finance for the farmer, taking the responsibility of loading and unloading and delivering the product to the buyer. Middleman play key role in agriculture sector of Pakistan owing to inefficient and poorly managed agriculture market. During the field interview of farmers, arhtis, and brokers in Pakpattan and Arifwala mandi, we find that arhtis offer range of services depends upon the serving market. Commonly, arhtis offer two main services, provide inputs on credit in sowing season and act as seller in harvesting. By taking advance from middleman farmer is bound to sell yield to same arhti and he took control over cash inflow of farmer.