An economic analysis of onion production in Nalanda district of Bihar, India

The aim of the current study was to determine the cost of cultivation, various expenses, and the benefit-cost ratio associated with production of onion across five farm size categories: marginal, small, semi-medium, medium, and large. The study was conducted in the Harnaut block of the Nalanda district of Bihar, which was specifically chosen due to its high yield and large number of onion farmers (ninety farmers were chosen from six villages within the block). The price of growing onions differed depending on the size group. Cost of cultivation was highest in large farm size farmers (Rupees 97210), while marginal-sized farmers incurred the lowest (Rs. 94550). For small, semi-medium, and medium-sized farmers, the expense was Rs. 96318, Rs. 95961.2 and 96156 per hectare respectively. Cost benefit ratio was highest in large size farms 1: 2.22 followed by semi-medium size farms 1: 2.20, medium size farms 1:2.19 and lowest in marginal and small farm size which was 1: 2.14 respectively. The total yield was highest in large size of farm groups which was 240 Qtl. per hectare and lowest in marginal size of farm groups which was 225 Qtl. per hectare.