Kinnow fails to fetch fair price this season

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, December 22

Kinnow prices have dropped sharply this season due to various reasons, including bumper crop, Covid pandemic, weather vagaries and transportation issues due to the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Delhi borders.

Notably, the fruit, known for its distinct taste and Vitamin C content, is mostly consumed as juice. “This time, there has been a bumper crop in the area and prices have come down to almost half of the corresponding period last year. Delhi is the main market of kinnow and the fruit is sent from there to other parts of the country and abroad. However, the transportation charges have increased due to the farmers’ agitation. At present, kinnow is fetching Rs 8-10 per kg in orchards. Due to weather vagaries, the fruit has got its colour in advance this season but lacks sweetness,” said Rajinder Sharma, a trader.

Similarly, Avneet Brar, a kinnow grower of Daulatpura village in Fazilka district, said, “Though the traders are claiming that the produce is double than last year, it is just 35 per cent high. However, the prices have come down to half as compared to last year. At present, we are getting Rs 7-10 per kg for the coloured kinnow. Some traders from the Azadpur market in Delhi told me that the buyers were quite less this year due to the Covid pandemic.”