ABSTRACT

India is the leading global producer and exporter of gherkins, contributing 15 per cent to world production and 25 per cent to global exports, generating USD 223 million in 2020-21. The present study aimed to analyze the production and export performance of gherkins in Karnataka, India. The study was based on primary data collected from 120 contract farmers from Ballari and Haveri districts through multistage random sampling technique, employing returns per rupee of investment for economic analysis and Rank-Based Quotient for rank the constraints faced by farmers. Secondary data of area, production, productivity (2007-08 to 2021-22), export quantity and value of gherkins (2011-12 to 2022-23) were collected from Food and Agriculture Organization, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the Department of Horticulture, government of Karnataka was analyzed using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index, Markov Chain Analysis and Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) were used to assess export performance and competitiveness. The results showed that from 2007-08 to 2021-22, the CAGR for gherkins area (1.45%), production (1.38%) and productivity (-0.07%) in India per annum, indicating a slight upward growth for area and production but a decline in productivity. In Karnataka, the area (-1.05%) and production (-0.55%) decreased, while productivity increased (0.50%). Cultivation of gherkins under contract farming, the maximum share of the cost was incurred by variable costs (79.42%). Contract farming proved economically viable, with a return per rupee of investment 1.96. Bhutan, Quatar and United Arab Emirates were the most loyal importers of fresh/chilled gherkins from India as reflected by higher probability of 1.00, 0.74 and 0.69 respectively. Russia for provisionally preserved gherkins and the USA and Germany for prepared/preserved in vinegar gherkins. The estimated NPC indicated fresh/chilled, provisionally preserved and prepared/preserved in vinegar gherkins were competitive which indicates NPC value was less than one. Adverse weather condition and incidence of anthracnose and viral disease are the major constraints faced by gherkins contract farmers in the study area. The study highlights the importance of adhering to SPS measures and pesticide residue limits to maintain export standards and increase market share globally.