Seasonality Analysis of Onion with Special Reference to Wholesale Markets of Gujarat

Abstract

The study was conducted about the wholesale markets of Gujarat state with a study period of seventeen years for onion crops (January 2004 to December 2020). These data were collected from various portals such as NHRDF, Agmarknet, and NHB. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using different software such as R and E-views. Twelve monthly moving average was used to analyze the seasonal behaviour in arrivals and prices of onions. Seasonal indices of onion explained onion arrivals were higher in the first half of the year but relatively declined during the second half of the year in the Mahuva, Ahmedabad and Gondal markets. The variation between the lowest and highest intra-year price rise aligned between the lowest (11.79 per cent) in the Mahuva market to the highest (71.08 per cent) in the Gondal market for onion. The maximum value of the coefficient of variation (CV) for onion was witnessed in Gondal (92.94 per cent) market, followed by Ahmedabad (82.78 per cent) and Mahuva (82.16 per cent). Proper transmission of price signals from one market to another assist in price stabilization and foster healthy competition. It would also aid in defending the interests of producer sellers.