Variation in banana prices in the Burhanpur market, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Banana (Musa sp) is the most important fruit crop of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The banana prices in Burhanpur market for five years (2013–14 to 2017–18) were observed for their variation and skewness. It was indicated that highest maximum and minimum banana price variation was recorded in quarter Q1 (Jan-March) however middle price variationwas more during Q3 (July-Sept). The least variation for maximumprice was during Q3 and middle and minimal banana price variation was recorded in Q2 (April-June). All the types of banana prices studied did not follow normal distribution curve. It was leptokurtic for all types of prices studied. The minimum and middle banana prices showed negative skewness for Q1, Q2 and Q4 and positive for Q3. However maximum price showed negative skewness for Q2 and Q4 (Oct-Dec) and positive for Q1 and Q3. The year-wise quarterly graph indicated that average minimum, middle and maximum prices were very fluctuating in nature. It was concluded that the prices of banana were not stable at Burhanpur market of Madhya Pradesh. Thus this information may be useful for further planning of banana planting, harvesting and marketing.