Kinnow production in Punjab expected to be low

Hoshiarpur, Dec 25 (UNI) The kinnow production in Punjab is likely to be hit due to the fluctuating weather conditions that prevailed in the state throughout this year.

The border state is one of the largest producers of this citrus fruit. The low yield has already pushed the prices of the fruit to an all time high.

The situation is the reverse of last year, when the kinnow growers suffered heavy losses due to a bumper harvest. In Punjab about 25,000 hectares are under kinnow cultivation, with the production cost being about Rs 25,000 an acre.

According to horticulture experts, the comparatively high temperature is the main reason for the low production. The rise in temperatures in February last year, led to premature flowering while a sudden drop in March disturbed the normal flowering season, thus resulting in low fruit set.

The continued long spell of high temperature till December this year further hit the fruit and also led to a disfigure of the fruit shape and colour.

The yield, particularly in south Punjab in Abohar, Muktsar and Badal villages, is down by 75 per cent. This is because south Punjab is comparatively warmer than the Kandi area of Hoshiarpur, that has seen a 50 per cent drop in the production.

According to the district horticulture department the high temperature has promoted vegetative growth rather than flowering, leading to low yield.

The contractors in south Punjab, are buying the fruit for Rs 20 per kg, directly from the farmers. In the last season this price was as low as Rs six to eight per kg, due to the bumper harvest. Retail prices in Chandigarh vary from Rs 35 to Rs 50 per kg.

In Delhi the wholesale price is likely to touch Rs 300 for a 10 kg box of kinnows. Commission agents across the country are making desperate calls to the growers but there is no fruit to supply.

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