Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Organic pineapple cultivation in Assam’s Hills Zone involves multiple supply-chain actors, yet the functions of intermediaries and the strength of farmers’ marketing linkages require closer examination. This study identified the actors and their activities and assessed the forward and backward linkages of organic pineapple farmers in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts. Primary data were collected during 2024–2025 from 120 farmers, 20 market intermediaries and one processor using a multistage sampling approach and structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, Garrett ranking and five-point Likert scores were used to describe marketing relationships and farmers’ perceptions. Six marketing channels were identified, including two channels involving processing. Local traders were the most frequently used immediate buyers (48.33%), followed by village merchants (28.33%), retailers (14.17%) and consumers (9.17%). Channels 3 and 4 together accounted for 88.67% of the quantity marketed, whereas processed channels accounted for 1.99%. Lack of market access ranked first among the reasons for selecting intermediaries. Fellow farmers were the main sources of technical knowledge (32.50%) and planting materials (59.16%). Low backward and forward linkage strength was recorded for 43.33% and 39.16% of farmers, respectively. Farmers reported limited access to extension services, processing and storage. The findings indicate strong reliance on intermediaries and predominantly informal upstream support, alongside limited integration into higher-value downstream activities.