Buying and Selling :
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required for product exchange, exchange of legal title between producer and consumer.



Storage:
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An inherent characteristic of agricultural production is that it is seasonal whilst demand is generally continuous throughout the year. Hence there is need for storage to allow a smooth, and as far as possible, uninterrupted flow of product into the market.



Transportation:
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overcomes separation of space by moving product from site of production to where it is sold. The transport function is chiefly one of making the product available where it is needed, without adding unreasonably to the overall cost of the produce.



Processing (value adding):
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Most agricultural produce is not in a form suitable for direct delivery to the consumer when it is first harvested .Changing the form of a commodity or raw product to one that has more convenience and better value.



Grades/standards:
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Standardisation is concerned with the establishment and maintenance of uniform measurements of produce quality and/or quantity. Proper grading of products ensures that the farmers/producers would receive prices of their products according to its quality and the proper grading also provide safeguard to consumers against adulteration.



Financing:
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providing the funds necessary to pay for the production and marketing of a product during the time period the producer must wait to receive payment for a sale.



Risk-taking:
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assuming the risk of loss between the time of purchase and sale. It includes physical risks like destruction or deterioration of the produce through fire, excessive heat or cold, pests, floods, earthquakes or Market risks such as price fluctuations and changing consumer trends.



Market information:
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The process of collecting, interpreting, and disseminating information relevant to marketing decisions is known as market intelligence .Through market intelligence the seller finds out what the customer needs and wants, information about markets, market prices, etc.