Determinants of technological and yield gaps among onion growers in Chitradurga district

Abstract

As a staple in kitchens and a key contributor to India’s agricultural economy, onion holds a dual role supporting food security and generating export earnings. India is the world’s second largest onion producer, with Karnataka ranking among the leading states within state Chitradurga district has become a vital onion growing region. Yet, despite its prominence, onion cultivation here is constrained by technological and yield gaps that limit productivity and profitability. Against this backdrop, the present study was undertaken to analyze the association between independent variables and the technological as well as yield gaps of onion growers. An ex-post facto research design was employed and 120 farmers were selected from major onion growing villages in the district. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and chi-square tests were applied to examine associations between independent variables and the observed gaps. Findings revealed that education, annual income, knowledge, risk orientation, innovativeness, scientific orientation, market orientation and mass media exposure were significantly associated with technological gaps at the 5 percent level, while farming experience, extension contact and extension participation showed significant associations at the 1 percent level. Age and family size, however, exhibited no association. A similar pattern was observed with yield gaps, where most socio-economic and behavioural factors were significant at the 5 percent level, while farming experience, extension contact, and extension participation were highly significant at the 1 percent level. Age and family size were again unrelated. The study highlights the importance of socio-economic and behavioural variables in shaping technological and yield gaps. Strengthening extension networks, fostering market orientation, and promoting innovative and scientific practices among onion growers can help bridge these gaps and enhance the productivity and profitability of onion cultivation.