Production Trend, Marketing Constraints, and Future Strategies of Onion in Western Undulating Agroclimatic Zone of Odisha

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

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Abstract

India produces onions, one of the agricultural products that is closely monitored. This crop has several personalities; it makes traders happy, farmers fear, and customer’s tear. Onion, a vital vegetable in India, is grown by small and marginal farmers and is used in salads, spices, and meals. Despite being the ninth-largest state, Odisha ranks 12th in production and productivity, producing 365.43 thousand metric tonnes from 31.14 thousand hectares. In 2015-16, onions were grown on 2,36000 acres in Kalahandi region. Angul district had the highest onion production (65934 MT) in 2019-20, while Puri had the lowest (2610.5 MT). India's compound growth rates were positive but statistically insignificant, while the production and productivity growth rates of Odisha were positive but found to be insignificant statistically. The growth rate of area in Odisha was found to be negative but statistically significant at 1% level of significance. The study area faced significant constraints, including fluctuating onion market prices, inadequate storage facilities, high transport costs, and the lack of timely market knowledge for onion growers. Future government policies should focus on developing disease resistant onion varieties in Odisha

Keywords

Marketing Constraints, Production Trend, Garrett’s ranking

Conclusion

India's compound growth rates were positive but statistically insignificant, while the production and productivity growth rates of Odisha were positive but found to be insignificant statistically. The growth rate of area in Odisha was found to be negative but statistically significant at 1% level of significance. Odisha has a comparative advantage in onion production, but yield gaps are due to factors like physical, biological, socio-economic, and institutional issues. To improve, participatory research, contract farming, government attention, e-NAM, digital literacy, and market regulation are needed. Policymakers and government should focus on direct procurement from farmers and promote modern techniques like intercropping onion with sugarcane

References

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How to cite this article

B.P. Gantayat, B.R. Behera, T. Majhi, R. Toppo, S. Behera and R.K. Rout (2023). Production Trend, Marketing Constraints, and Future Strategies of Onion in Western Undulating Agroclimatic Zone of Odisha. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 1109-1116