Understanding the Value Chain of Kinnow in Punjab: A Focus on Farmer’s Role

Description

Page: 639-643

Nandani Jairath and Sukhmani Virk (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

In Punjab, India, the citrus fruit Kinnow holds considerable economic and agronomic importance, contributing significantly to agricultural exports, rural incomes, and employment generation. However, its marketing and distribution are shaped by a complex network of actors, whose specific roles and contributions remain inadequately documented. This study aims to systematically map the Kinnow value chain in Punjab, with a particular focus on farmers’ roles, perceptions, and value-adding contributions across the production-to-consumption continuum. A structured survey was conducted with 180 Kinnow farmers from three major Kinnow producing districts, i.e., Fazilka, Muktsar sahib and Hoshiarpur to assess their participation in the value chain. The findings reveal that farmers serve as the primary actors, initiating the value chain and influencing fruit quality, yield, and market potential through their pre- and post-harvest practices. Additionally, the study maps the prevailing marketing channels and highlights the extent of farmers’ involvement in value addition activities such as grading, sorting, and direct marketing.