GROWTH AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN MAJOR SEED SPICES OF JODHPUR DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN

Abstract

Seed spices are an important component of agriculture in India, and their production is crucial to the country's economy. However, the supply of seed spices is uncertain, which leads to fluctuation in prices due to seasonal and cyclical variations. This study examines the growth rate in acreage, output, and yield of major seed spices in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India, as well as the instability and seasonal indices of their wholesale prices and market arrivals. Monthly and yearly time series data were collected from Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti, Jodhpur, from 1998 to 2018. Results show that coriander, cumin, and fennel crops were highly unstable, with the highest seasonal indices of arrivals and prices observed in the month of March and April for coriander and cumin, and May and December for fenugreek and fennel. The low coefficient of variation was found for fenugreek and fennel in the Jodhpur market. This study provides valuable insights into the growth and seasonal variations of major seed spices in Rajasthan, which can inform sound price policies in the future.