Bridging the yield gap in onion production: economic potential in arid Kachchh of Gujarat

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important vegetable crop with considerable potential for improving farm income in arid regions. However, its productivity is often constrained by limited adoption of improved varieties and recommended crop management practices. The present study evaluated the performance of frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on hybrid onion ‘Rosy’ conducted by ICAR–CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bhuj–Kachchh-II, Gujarat, during the rabi seasons of 2013–14 to 2015–16. A total of 37 demonstrations covering 14.8 ha were conducted in nine villages of Anjar and Bhuj talukas to compare the improved production technology with prevailing farmers’ practices. The demonstrated technology recorded an average bulb yield of 266.04 q ha⁻¹, compared with an average yield of 211.00 q ha⁻¹ under farmers’ practices, resulting in a reported average annual yield advantage of 26.06%. The yield advantage increased from 24.20% in 2013–14 to 27.55% in 2015–16. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 33.96 q ha⁻¹, 55.04 q ha⁻¹ and 11.32%, respectively. The declining technology gap and technology index indicated improved performance of the demonstrated technology under farmers’ field conditions. In addition, five training programmes and field days reached more than 650 farmers, supporting the dissemination of improved onion production practices. The findings highlight the potential of FLDs as an effective extension approach for demonstrating improved varieties and crop management technologies, enhancing onion productivity and promoting technology adoption under the arid agro-climatic conditions of Kachchh, Gujarat.