Time series anlaysis of buffalo prices in Haryana*

Abstract

Time series analysis was conducted to work OUl the seasonality in retail prices of buffaloes based on monthly data for the period 1980-90, collected from the selected markets of Rohtak and Jind districts in Haryana. When analysed at current and constant prices, the retail prices of buffaloes were minimum in October and maximum in July. At constant prices, retail prices of buffaloes did not differ significantly during April-May and June-July. Furthermore, the retail prices of buffaloes increased by aboul 8% in July, declined by about 4% in October, and were significantly different in these months as compared to ihat in other monihs. The retail prices of buffaloes showed highest variability in February and lowest in December. In general, the retail prices of buffaloes significantly increased both between years and monihs. In absolute teuns the retail pnces of buftaloes though increased, yet in Teal terms (at constant prices of 1980) declined ihereby indicating ihat the buffaloes rearers were net loosers over time. As compared to winter and rain) seasom, the retail prices of buffaloes had increased faster during summer.