Farmers Abandon Onion Cultivation in Kurnool, Output Expected to Drop

Farmers in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh have significantly reduced their onion cultivation during the current Kharif season, leading to concerns about a potential drop in output. As of now, only about 4,300 hectares have been planted, a stark contrast to the expected 10,000 hectares that should have been cultivated by this point in the season. The total cultivated area for Kharif has traditionally been around 20,800 hectares.

The Kurnool Agricultural Market, one of the largest onion markets in the region, typically receives between 400,000 to 500,000 quintals of onions annually. Last year, the market saw a record production of 650,000 quintals. At its peak, the price per quintal reached over ₹5,000, while average prices fluctuated between ₹2,500 to ₹3,000. This year, however, market officials predict a significant decline in cess revenue due to the reduced cultivation area and anticipated lower supply.

Kurnool and Nandyal districts are renowned for their fertile black soil, which is ideal for onion farming. In the previous Kharif season, Andhra Pradesh farmers cultivated onions across 69,000 acres, with Kurnool contributing approximately 43,200 acres and Nandyal about 9,000 acres. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions, including insufficient or excessive rainfall, resulted in poor yields. Many farmers have opted to abandon onion cultivation in light of these challenges, citing unstable prices over the past few seasons as a key factor in their decision.

Despite the availability of subsidised onion seeds through the National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation at the Kurnool market yard, farmers remain hesitant. In response to the declining interest in onion farming, the state government is promoting Rabi onion cultivation. The initiative includes subsidies of up to ₹20,000 per hectare to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

A senior official from the marketing department noted that the lack of a support price and ongoing losses have dissuaded farmers from continuing with onion cultivation. The official expressed hope that if the government intervenes with the necessary support, farmers may reconsider their decision and return to onion farming in the future. The ongoing situation presents a significant challenge for the agricultural landscape of Kurnool, impacting both local farmers and the broader economy.