Pattern of Market Arrivals and Prices of Gram in Rajasthan

The study has analysed the linkage of market arrivals and prices of gram in Rajasthan by selecting four markets — Jaipur, Kishangarh, Chomu and Malpura — and collecting secondary data in respect of arrivals and prices for the period 2004–05 to 2013–14. In the Jaipur market, the arrivals in the peak period were highest during these 10 years and ranged between 9.49 per cent (2012–13) and 94.41 per cent (2007–08) of the total arrivals and were lowest in the lean period, ranging between 2.92 per cent (2007–08) and 89.41 per cent (2012–13). In the Kishangarh market, the arrivals of gram have depicted a more or less the same pattern as in Jaipur. In the Chomu and Malpura markets, the arrivals have been found highest in peak period, followed by mid-period and lean period. The seasonal indices analysis of arrivals and prices has revealed that when major portion of the produce is received in the market, the prices are at the lowest. There was a negative correlation between prices and arrivals in the Chomu (non-significant) market. However, in the Jaipur and Malpura markets, the correlation between arrivals and prices was positive but non-significant. But in the Kishangarh market, it was positive and significant, may be due to higher demand for gram due to differences in food habits. The increasing trend in arrivals of gram in Jaipur, Kishangarh and Malpura markets was significant, except in the Jaipur market. The study has suggested that the government should ensure procurement of gram at MSP during the peak arrival of gram in these markets.