Preface In the vast and diverse landscape of India, where traditions and modernity coexist harmoniously, lies an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of marketing—rural marketing. The heartbeat of rural India resonates with the rhythms of tradition, culture, and close-knit communities, creating a unique ecosystem that requires a distinct approach to marketing. This book delves deep into the realm of rural marketing in the Indian context, unraveling its intricacies, challenges, and immense potential. It is a comprehensive exploration of how marketing strategies must adapt and evolve to cater to the diverse needs, aspirations, and dynamics of rural consumers and markets. Rural India constitutes a substantial portion of the country's population, and its significance in the overall economic landscape cannot be underestimated. However, the intricacies of rural markets often pose challenges that differ vastly from urban counterparts. Factors such as limited infrastructure, cultural diversity, varying consumer behavior, and the interplay of traditional and modern influences require a nuanced understanding that conventional marketing theories do not always address. Through a combination of empirical research, case studies, and expert insights, this book endeavors to bridge the gap in understanding rural marketing dynamics. It equips marketers, entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex world of rural markets successfully. From understanding the rural consumer psyche to tailoring product offerings, distribution channels, and communication strategies, each chapter offers valuable insights that can shape effective marketing campaigns and strategies. As we embark on this journey through the pages of this book, we invite readers to explore the challenges and opportunities that rural marketing presents. We will navigate the dusty bylanes, vibrant markets, and quaint villages to uncover the hidden gems of knowledge that hold the key to tapping into the immense potential that rural India holds. Along the way, we will discover that rural marketing is not just a business endeavor; it is a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions and aspirations that define the Indian rural landscape. We extend our gratitude to the experts, practitioners, and researchers who have contributed their valuable insights to this endeavor. Their collective wisdom serves as a guiding light for anyone seeking to understand and excel in the realm of rural marketing. As the journey begins, let us embrace the challenges, learn from the experiences, and emerge with a deeper appreciation for the power of effective rural marketing in shaping the future of India's economic and social fabric. Welcome to the world of rural marketing in the Indian context. Dr. Vijay Uprikar Author

Rural Marketing In Indian Context Assumes Greater Importance As A Wind Of Change Is Blowing Form Three Angles Firstly, Changing Rural Scene Towards Development In Different Spheres Owing To Success Of Green Revolution, White Revolution And Grey Revolutions And Consequent Raise In The Rural Incomes; Secondly Changes In Market Conditions Resulted From The Transformation Of Sellers Market Into Buyers Market Consequent To New Innovations, Modern Technology, Increased Production, Increased Competition And Stagnated Urban Markets; And Lastly The Changing Government Policy Towards Liberalization And Globalisation Of The Indian Economy. This Book Is A Comprehensive Work On Rural Marketing Covering Almost All The Dimensions Of Rural Marketing The Rural Marketing Environment, Its Structure, Different Purchasing, Selling, Pricing, Sales Promotion, Financial And Accounting Practices Of Rural Marketers Dealing In Different Merchandise, Problems And Performance Of Rural Markets Are Critically Analysed. Marketing Starts With Consumer And Ends With The Consumer. Consumer Satisfaction Is The Key For The Successful Marketing. But The Key To Consumer Satisfaction Lies In Understanding The Consumer, His Likes, Dislikes, His Expectations, Shopping Behaviour Etc. Therefore, An Attempt Is Also Made In This Book To Study The Rural Consumer Profile, Their Shopping Behaviour, Buying Process And Their Level Of Satisfaction With Regard To Rural Marketing Practices. This Volume Provides And Insight Into The Rural Marketing Environment.This Book Is A Significant Addition To The Existing Rare Stock Of Knowledge On Rural Marketing. It Is Extremely Useful For Industrialists, Academics, Researches, Students Of Commerce And Business Management As Well As Practitioners In Marketing Management In Rural Areas.

Rural Marketing-Environment, Problems And Strategies, Attempts To Rectify The Lacunae Of A Near Total Absence Of Any Comprehensive Text On Rural Marketing. This Is Despite The Fact That Almost Three-Fourths Of India S Population Is Rural And One-Third Of Its National Income Is Generated By The Rural Areas. In The Present Context Of The Downturn In The Economy, Many Companies Producing Consumables And Durables Are Being Sustained By Rural Demand Which Has Brought A Sharp Focus On Rural Markets. This Third Edition Has Been Thoroughly Revised In View Of The Above. Rural Marketing Provides An In-Depth Analysis Of The Environment, The Problems Associated With Rural Marketing And Also The Strategies That Can Be Successfully Adopted. This Book Offers An Interesting Reading For Academicians, Students And A New Class Of Forced Entrepreneurs Which Is Emerging As A Consequence Of The Present Economic Upheaval. It Also Offers An Interesting Reading For General Readers Who Are Curious To Know About The Vibrant Dynamics Of Rural India.

Rural Marketing as a separate discipline in management teaching has emerged recently. The growing importance of the subject has been well realized by the marketers, policymakers and management interns. However, there is dearth of quality literature on the subject, comprehensive coverage of all the dimensions, aspects and managerial issues pertaining to rural marketing. In most of the management institutions, a half-baked knowledge of rural marketing is being imparted to the management interns while there is more emphasis on marketing perspective on harnessing the immense potential offered by rural areas through suitable marketing planning, product mix, pricing, distribution, promotional mix, branding and communication strategies. Present book is a serious attempt to bridge the need gap in the subject.