Research Article
Assessment of Onion Bulb and Seed Production Potentials and Challenges in Gebiresu Zone, Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia: Survey Findings
Yitages Kuma Beji*
,
Shimelis Alemayehu Seta
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-29
Received:
2 December 2024
Accepted:
16 December 2024
Published:
17 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.frontiers.20250501.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study, conducted in 2024, evaluates onion production practices, identifies key challenges, and explores potential improvements across four districts: Amibara, Gewane, Haruka, and Gelealo in the Middle Awash region of Ethiopia. The research focuses on current agricultural practices, the effectiveness of existing methods, and the socio-economic factors influencing onion farming. Each district exhibited distinct variations in these practices. Amibara showed relatively better adoption of recommended practices, particularly in irrigation and balanced fertilizer use. However, pest pressures, notably from Thrips and Stemphylium leaf blight, significantly affected yields. This district’s reliance on chemical pesticides without integrated pest management (IPM) strategies poses long-term risks for soil health and pesticide resistance. Gewane and Haruka faced pronounced challenges related to water availability, leading to inconsistent irrigation practices. Gewane, with the lowest irrigation frequencies, showed reduced yields due to suboptimal water management. In both districts, pest infestations further exacerbated yield losses. This highlights the need for improved irrigation infrastructure and pest control strategies. In Gelealo, while fertilizer use was widespread, inconsistencies in application rates and a lack of IPM strategies led to lower yields. The district's reliance on local brokers for market access constrained economic outcomes. Additionally, like other districts, Gelealo lacked access to certified seeds, further limiting productivity. Pest and disease pressures were pervasive across all districts, particularly in Haruka and Amibara, where pest-related crop damage was highest. Moreover, the lack of post-harvest infrastructure and market access challenges, particularly in Gewane and Gelealo, reduced onion profitability. Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for improvements in irrigation, fertilization practices, pest control strategies, and market systems. District-specific interventions, such as promoting IPM, improving access to certified seeds, and enhancing market linkages, are essential to significantly improve onion yield, post-harvest quality, and economic returns in the Middle Awash region.
Abstract: This study, conducted in 2024, evaluates onion production practices, identifies key challenges, and explores potential improvements across four districts: Amibara, Gewane, Haruka, and Gelealo in the Middle Awash region of Ethiopia. The research focuses on current agricultural practices, the effectiveness of existing methods, and the socio-economic ...
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