Constraints Faced by Onion Farmers in Inceptisol of Western Odisha for Adopting the Improved Practices and Suggestions to Overcome

Author: B.P. Gantayat, T. Majhi, R. Toppo, S. Swastika, S. Behera and R.K. Rout

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Abstract

The goal of this work was to investigate the limitations associated with onion production, marketing, and storage in the western undulating agroclimatic zone of Odisha. The study employed a multi-stage purposive sampling approach. The state was separated into 10 zones according to Argo-climatic conditions, and two districts—Kalahandi and Nuapada—from the western undulating agroclimatic zone were chosen for 2021–2022. According to the survey, the top five biggest issues faced by onion producers were labour-related weeding issues, followed by ignorance about better varieties, high labour costs, expensive and ineffective weedicides, high seed costs, etc. Low prices during harvest, followed by sharp price fluctuations, high transportation costs, payment delays, a lack of market news and information, a lack of storage facilities, and other issues were the main obstacles faced by onion producers during the production process. By providing accurate market information and bolstering the market infrastructure at the taluk and district levels to provide an effective marketing system for the produce, the government, developmental departments, marketing boards, and NAFED may help minimise this. Farmers may be able to overcome the issue of price fluctuations if government authorities act quickly to renew or announce government support prices for onion crops

Keywords

Constraints, Improved Practices, Marketing, Production, Storage, Suggestions

Conclusion

The research study reveals major challenges faced by onion growers during production and marketing, including labour issues, lack of knowledge about improved varieties, high labour costs, and high seed costs. The study also highlights low prices at harvesting, market fluctuations, high transportation costs, delayed payments, lack of market information, and lack of storage facilities. The study suggests that government intervention, developmental departments, marketing boards, and NAFED should provide timely market information and strengthen market infrastructure to ensure efficient marketing. Establishing a wholesale or terminal market at the tehsil level can provide a closer outlet for onion growers and lower marketing costs. The agriculture department should provide knowledge about improved varieties and production technologies to farmers, ensuring better prices and storage. Farmers should be trained on new storage technology to reduce losses. Subsidies can help reduce input costs for small and medium farmers. Extension agents should maintain close contact with farmers during production seasons

References

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How to cite this article

B.P. Gantayat, T. Majhi, R. Toppo, S. Swastika, S. Behera and R.K. Rout (2023). Constraints Faced by Onion Farmers in Inceptisol of Western Odisha for Adopting the Improved Practices and Suggestions to Overcome. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 1724-1727