I have noticed that those involved in development projects involving commercial farming are
beginning to realize that the knowledge of farmers is of considerable value. However, the knowledge
of traders is still largely neglected. Apparently the notion of the 'exploitative trader' continues to
prevail, so that they are largely bypassed by development programmes. And yet traders often act as
a link between local farmers and outside organizations, while they have considerable useful
information on marketing and prices, as well as on new technologies, both those developed in
research stations or private nurseries, and trials conducted by farmers. I have taken a closer look at
mango cultivation in two villages in Kerala, India, and I would like to share my experiences there.