Yield gap analysis and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation in western Arid Kachchh of Gujarat

Abstract

Thirty-seven demonstrations on onion cultivation were executed to assess the impact of improved farming practices on yield outcomes. Results indicated that onions grown under the enhanced agricultural practices produced yields ranging from 254.62 to 275.50 q/ha, significantly surpassing the yields under traditional farmer practices, which varied from 205 to 216 q/ha. The yield increase under the improved practices ranged from 24.20% to 27.55%. Economic assessments revealed that the benefit-cost ratio in demonstration plots varied from 2.23 to 4.26, compared to 2.02 to 3.80 in farmer-managed plots. The study emphasizes that adopting these improved practices not only increases onion yield but also enhances the profitability of onion farming.