ECONOMICS OF ONION SEED PRODUCTION IN WESTERN RUKUM, NEPAL

Abstract

Onion seeds are a promising sub-sector for boosting productivity, poverty alleviation, food and nutrition security in Nepal although they are high-value and low-volume commodities. Our study is useful to estimate the economics of onion seed production in the Salyan District of Nepal. Sixty household respondents were randomly selected using cluster sampling for primary data collection through pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires, field surveys and verified by focus group discussion. Multiple linear regression and indexing techniques were used to analyze data on the SPSS program. Our study shows that the average cost of production of onion seed per kg NRs 622.83 with revenue NRs 400. The benefit-cost ratio was 0.64 for onion seed production indicating the loss caused by severe price fluctuations in recent years due to biotic stress, the influence of Indian seeds, an unhealthy chain of seed pricing and marketing. The cost of labor and plant protection is statistically significant with onion seed productivity. To boost onion seed production productivity and profitability, efficient and cost-effective resource management is required. Our study strongly suggests stakeholders and policymakers focus on price determination, integrated market linkage, input, and technical assistance to the farmer.