From Field to Market: The Challenges Faced by Onion Growers in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Horticultural crops are integral to the Indian economy, serving as a major source of employment, and supplying vital raw materials to the food processing sector. Their cultivation leads to enhanced farm profitability, driven by increased yields and improved market opportunities. Moreover, the export of horticultural produce significantly contributes to foreign exchange earnings, further strengthening India's economic framework. Onion grows extensively across the nation in a variety of climates. India is the world's second-largest producer of onions. It ranks first in terms of acreage, third in terms of exports, and contributes roughly 22.83% to global production. The present study was conducted in 2023 in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka, aimed to identify the challenges faced by onion growers and gather their recommendations for addressing these issues. A total of 120 farmers were selected for the study, comprising sixty small and sixty big farmers. Utilizing an ex post facto research design, data were collected through a pre-tested, structured interview method. The findings highlighted several key constraints in onion cultivation, including limited awareness of nutrient management, price fluctuations in the market, and inadequate access to credit. The majority of farmers recommended the implementation of a minimum support price for onions and timely provision of credit at low-interest rate to mitigate these challenges.