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Institute of Agri-Business Management, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati-517 502.
Onion (Allium cepa) is a popular and widely cultivated vegetable crop worldwide. It belongs to the Allium genus, which
also includes garlic, leeks, and chives. Onions are known for their pungent flavour and distinctive aroma, making them a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Onions are cool-season crops and can be grown in a wide range of climates. They prefer well-drained, sandy-loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They require full sunlight, but they can tolerate partial shade. The ideal temperature for onion growth is between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C). There are numerous onion varieties, ranging in size, shape, and colour. Common types include yellow or brown onions, red onions, and white onions. They are a versatile and essential vegetable in the culinary world, adding flavour to a wide range of dishes. Their cultivation is practiced globally, both on a small scale for home gardening and on a large scale for commercial production. Understanding the price behaviour of onions in Kurnool district is vital for various stakeholders, including farmers, traders, policymakers, and consumers. This study aims to contribute valuable insights to the agricultural community, policymakers, and researchers. Furthermore, the findings of this research will aid in devising strategies to ensure a stable and sustainable onion market that benefits all stakeholders involved. To understand the price patterns and trends of onions in the Kurnool district, time series analysis was applied. Secondary data was used for studying the price behaviour and price trends in onion crop. This analytical approach helped identify fluctuations and changes in onion prices over time. A regression analysis was conducted on onion price data in selected markets to study the long-term fluctuations. Among these markets, the Kurnool market showed the lowest annual increase in prices, which amounted to 3.65 Rs/qt. This finding was statistically significant at a 1% level of significance. Within the Kurnool market, the month of August exhibited the highest seasonal index, reaching a value of 127.104. February and November had slightly lower seasonal indices, standing at 123.061 and 120.825, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest seasonal index of 59.15 was observed in May. This decline during the mentioned period was attributed to the arrival of rabi onions, known for their longer shelf life compared to the Kharif onion crop. However, despite the fluctuations, no distinct price cycles were detected for the onion crop in the chosen market. The irregular fluctuations in the Kurnool market did not exhibit any specific pattern or periodicity in their occurrence.
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