A time series analysis of kinnow market arrivals and prices in Kinnow belt of Punjab

AbstractSouth-western Punjab is suitable for the cultivation of kinnow on account of suitable soil and climatic conditions. Kinnow is popular among the south-western producers for its heavier bearings and high juice content. However, kinnow being a strongly seasonal commodity, even the heavier bearing, does not safeguard the producers against price fluctuations. As such, the current study examines the trends, instability and seasonal variation of kinnow prices and market arrivals in Punjab. The results revealed that kinnow prices and arrivals had a positive growth rate in Fazilka, Muktsar and Bathinda. High instability of Fazilka arrivals and prices, moderate instability for Muktsar arrivals and prices & low instability for arrivals and high instability for prices for Bathinda were observed. In Fazilka, kinnow arrivals were recorded from October to March, whereas in Muktsar and Bathinda, they were observed from November to April. An inverse relation existed between prices and arrivals. The study further highlights thrust areas for securing maximum profitability for kinnow farmers.