ABSTRACT

The study investigates the adoption of onion production technologies and post-harvest practices among onion growers in the Dharwad and Gadag districts of Karnataka. The research aims to understand the profile characteristics of farmers, their adoption levels of onion production technologies, post-harvest techniques and the association with profile characteristics. A sample of 120 farmers was selected and the data was collected using standard schedule through personal interview method.
The findings revealed that semi-medium farmers (61.66 %) dominated, with most growers having a high school education (39.16 %). The adoption rates for soil preparation (100 %) and weeding (100 %) were high, while advanced technologies like plant growth regulators and bio-fertilizers had low adoption, with only 22.50 per cent and 14.16 per cent fully adopting them, respectively. Post-harvest practices were largely traditional, with all farmers using manual methods for harvesting and grading. Notably, none of the farmers utilized cold storage facilities and only 35 per cent of farmers used improved storage structures.
Significant correlations were found between education, farm size, and income with the adoption of production technologies. Education (r = 0.388**), area under cultivation (r = 0.287**), and annual income (r = 0.299**) showed strong positive correlations with technology adoption. Despite these factors, farmers' interaction with extension services remained limited, as 46.66 per cent reported low contact.
The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance farmers’ knowledge of advanced technologies, improve access to financial resources, and develop supportive infrastructure such as cold storage facilities. Strengthening extension services to facilitate regular and proactive engagement with farmers is crucial for improving technology adoption and minimizing post-harvest losses.