Challenges faced by farmers in Kinnow Cultivation: Evidence from Punjab

This study examines the major challenges faced by Kinnow growers in Punjab with special reference to the districts of Fazilka, Muktsar, and Hoshiarpur. The study is based on primary data collected from 390 farmers selected through purposive and random sampling techniques during 2024-25. The constraints faced by farmers were analysed under five major categories, namely input-related, economic, marketing, general, technical guidance, and mass media-related constraints. The findings revealed that disease-prone plants, inferior quality agrochemicals, costly inputs, absence of Minimum Support Price, lack of agro-processing industries, prolonged gestation period, inadequate technical guidance, and limited awareness of mass media sources were the major constraints affecting kinnow cultivation. Water-related issues such as poor irrigation water quality and water shortages were more severe in Fazilka and Muktsar, whereas wildlife damage and high input costs were major concerns in Hoshiarpur. The study also highlighted weaknesses in extension services, market infrastructure, and access to reliable planting material. The findings suggest the need for region-specific policy interventions focusing on quality regulation of agrochemicals, strengthening extension services, improving irrigation management, establishing agro-processing industries, enhancing marketing infrastructure, and promoting effective dissemination of agricultural information to improve the sustainability and profitability of kinnow cultivation in Punjab.