Muhammad SHAHZAD,* Ayesha TAHIR,** Naveed JEHAN,*** and Anwar SHAH****
Abstract
Packaging technology play an important role in marketing horticultural produce. In Pakistan, wooden and cardboard boxes are mostly used as packing material. This study has been undertaken to carry out the benefit cost ratio to determine factors affecting adoption of cardboard cartons for which a sample of 122 respondents was selected through proportionate random sampling. Benefit Cost Ratio of the two packaging technologies was compared through paired t-test while probit estimates were carried-out for adoption of cardboard cartons. Adopters of cardboard cartons received the price premium of 45 per cent and BCR of 4.56 as compared to 3.49 received by wooden-box users. Probit estimates with marginal effects revealed that orchard size, destination of market distance and availability of boxes in different sizes would increase the probability of adoption. Experience and cost were considered significant factors for nonadoption of cardboard packaging. In order to increase adoption of cardboard packaging; mechanical strength and storage environment/ facilities of boxes should be modified.
