Onion Harvest Begins in Hoovinahadagali Taluk with Promising Returns

The onion harvest has officially commenced in Hoovinahadagali taluk, located in the Vijayanagar district, bringing a wave of optimism among local farmers. This year, the cultivation has expanded to 1,250 hectares across several villages, including Ittigi, Uttangi, Talakallu, and Hadagali. The promising start is seen as a welcome relief for growers who have endured several challenging years due to crop blight.

Farmers in the region are witnessing encouraging returns, particularly for ‘A’ grade onions, which are fetching favourable prices in the market. Kotresha, a dedicated farmer from Uttangi village, shared his positive outlook, revealing that he anticipates harvesting approximately 120 quintals of onions from his two-acre plot. His investment of ₹1.50 lakh in crop management is expected to yield significant returns this season, indicating a potential turnaround from previous years’ adversities.

The renewed optimism follows a prolonged period of losses experienced by the farmers. For the past five to six years, blight had severely impacted onion crops, leading to financial strain and diminished yields. The current season’s promising harvest is, therefore, viewed as a crucial opportunity for recovery and increased profitability.

However, amid the optimism, there is a call for improved support from the government. N.M. Siddesh, the president of the state unit of the Onion Growers’ Association, has urged the central government to revise its purchasing policies. Siddesh advocates for a higher purchase price of ₹7,000 per quintal for onions, arguing that this adjustment is essential to ensure fair compensation for farmers. Currently, the government buys onions at ₹2,500 per quintal and sells them to consumers at ₹35 per kilogram. The disparity between these figures is seen as a significant factor contributing to the financial difficulties faced by growers.

The price disparity highlights a critical issue in the agricultural supply chain, where the gap between purchase prices and retail prices affects the profitability of onion farming. Siddesh’s appeal underscores the need for a balanced approach that would support farmers while keeping consumer prices reasonable.

The successful harvest in Hoovinahadagali taluk is a hopeful sign for the region’s agricultural sector, yet it also brings to light the ongoing challenges faced by onion growers. The season’s outcomes will not only impact the immediate financial stability of the farmers but also set the stage for future agricultural policies and market strategies.

As the harvest progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the market trends and government responses. The current season’s success could serve as a pivotal moment for the onion farming community, potentially leading to more supportive measures and sustainable practices in the future.