Discipline of Geography, School of Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University (HQ), New Delhi-110068. Corresponding e-mail: dr.krishnakumar@ignou.ac.in, disha1chahal@gmail.com
Abstract: The study evaluated the current situations and emerging issues of Kinnow farming for sustainable livelihood within the Sirsa district of Haryana, India. The quantitative SWOT-QSPM approach was utilized to analyze the factors influencing Kinnow cultivation and to estimate interrelated strategies. A total of 29 factors encompassing 14 internal (7 strengths(S) and 7 weaknesses(W)) and 15 external (8 opportunities(O) and 7 threats(T)) were recognized by examining data collected through personal interviewing and using questionnaires from 100 farming households located across 10 different villages of district Sirsa with the help of purposive random sampling. Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices identified that favorable climatic conditions of the region for kinnow farming (S1, 3.8) and
Phytophthora infection, pests attack, diseases and lack of knowledge in the specific identification of symptoms in kinnow orchards (W6, 3.6) were the most listed internal strength and weaknesses. At the same time, potential opportunities for the establishment of food processing industries (O5, 3.6), organized cold storage to deal with the perishable nature of the product (O7, 3.4) and unfair pricing/ price crash in times of bumper production (T3, 3.2) encompassed the most concerning external opportunities and subsequent threats in the region. The results further revealed that the revitalization of kinnow export (WT1, 130.85), launching of cold storage chains (WT2, 124.9) and control of diseases (WT3, 101.15) may become the competent action plans to cope with the negative aspects. The establishment of citrus estates with post-harvest facilities (SO3, 96%) and developing food processing industries within the district to enhance local employment and income opportunities (SO1, 94%) may be considered the most appropriate positive (SO) strategies to ensure prosperity and sustainable development of Kinnow farming in the Sirsa region.
