Scope of onion seed production in Raichur district of Karnataka: A review

Abstract

Onion is grown widely in different parts of the country. It is important foreign exchange earning crop to the country. India produces around 168 lakh tons of onion annually ranking second in the world. The production has increased more than five times during past three decades. The reason for an increase in production is mainly due to increase in area under onion cultivation from 1.94 lakh ha during 1974-75 to 10.51 lakh ha in 2012-13. India possesses many innate advantages over other onion producing countries - its large genetic base, varied soil and climatic conditions and skilled human power. So many farmers are involved in the traditional onion seed production in Raichur district, Karnataka state. They are producing seeds with less cost and getting higher returns from the onion seed marketing to neighbour farmers.