Abohar, July 4: In a landmark deal that underscores the soaring commercial potential of citrus farming in Punjab, a kinnow orchard in Kallar Khera village of Abohar has been leased out for a staggering ₹21 lakh. The four-acre orchard, jointly owned by farmer Jeet Ram and his brother, fetched nearly ₹5.25 lakh per acre—almost double the lease value it commanded last year.
“This time I have 470 healthy kinnow plants, and they are likely to produce a high-quality yield. Timely pruning and sufficient canal irrigation have really helped,” said an elated Jeet Ram, whose orchard has become the talk of citrus farming circles in the region.
Describing the deal as exceptional, Abohar MLA and kinnow farmer Sandeep Jakhar said, “The quality of this orchard’s fruit is commendable. With a high plant count and good horticultural practices, the farmer has rightly secured ₹21 lakh for the upcoming harvest.”
The contractor, who has leased the orchard and requested anonymity, called the site “well-maintained” and said the expected fruit quality and market demand justify the investment.
Known as the “California of Punjab,” Abohar has long been a hub of citrus cultivation, with its kinnow crop catering to both domestic and international markets. Though kinnow production had dipped slightly in recent years due to waterlogging and erratic canal closures, the high lease value has reinvigorated optimism among farmers.
“Last year, orchardists got around ₹25 to ₹30 per kg for kinnow. This year, early deals are already being signed at ₹20 to ₹22 per kg,” said Inder Sharma, a fruit trader. He added that while Rajasthan’s neighbouring orchards have suffered due to canal water shortage, the expected shortfall in supply may push prices higher.
Farmers in villages anticipating a bumper crop have begun finalizing lucrative contracts ahead of harvest season, which begins in late December. Kuljit Singh, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Fazilka, confirmed, “Advance kinnow deals generally start around this time. Despite some decline in fruit quantity this year, the quality appears promising. Last season, top growers earned up to ₹4 lakh per acre—this year’s early deals suggest even higher returns.”
Adding further value to the fruit, kinnow is also being used by the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) for the production of citrus gin.
As more such deals emerge, the early ₹21-lakh agreement is being seen as a sign of not only rising demand but also the resilience and innovation of Punjab’s orchardists in adapting to changing climatic and market conditions.
