Seasonality and volatility in arrivals and prices of oilseeds in Marathwada region of Maharashtra state, India

Oilseed sector occupies an important place in Indian economy but oilseed crops are cultivated in high risky regions where there are uncertainties on production level, leads to wider fluctuation in arrivals of these crops in the markets which ultimately contribute to price instability. Therefore present study was carried out to know the arrivals and prices fluctuation in oilseed crops over time. Soybean and safflower, which are important oilseed crops of the region, were selected for the study. Monthly time series data for sixteen major markets from eight district of Marathwada region were collected and analyzed for the period of twenty years from 1991-92 to 2009-10. Mean, coefficient of variation and seasonal indices (Ratio to moving average method) were worked out. Results showed that, arrivals and prices of oilseed crops i.e. soybean and safflower in all selected markets of Marathwada region of Maharashtra were seasonal. Peak arrivals of soybean and safflower were observed during October to December and March to May, respectively. The price index of soybean and safflower was highest in the month of December and June with modest coefficient of variation value of 29 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively. Maximum arrivals and price of soybean were observed in Latur market. Whereas maximum arrival of safflower was observed in Latur market but maximum prices prevailed in Aurangabad market.