Towards Sustainable Onion Seed Production: An In-depth Analysis of Pest Control Practices, Knowledge Gaps, and Pollinator’s Awareness among Onion Seed Farmers in Maharashtra, India

A roving survey was conducted to study the pesticide use pattern by interviewing the farmers growing onion for seed production in Nashik, Pune, and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra state. The questionnaire was prepared to assess their knowledge and practices on seed onion cultivation, general awareness on pesticide recommendations and use, and pollinators’ exploration for higher seed production. Most of interviewed farmers (50%) allotted 1-2 acres of land for commercial onion seed production from more than 3 years of period. Among several limitations for successful onion seed production 83.33% of respondents faced incidence of pest and diseases in field as a major constraint followed by unavailability of quality seeds (40%) and labours (20%). The majority of farmers were unaware of pest identification and preferred pesticides as a priority measure (46.66%) without using recommended pesticides suggested by the CIBRC at higher than recommended dosage (86.66%) for spraying without following the Economic Threshold Level approach (90%). Around 90% of farmers avoided the use proper protective measures during spraying, 83.33% were unaware about label claim, and harmful effects of pesticides on human health and environment (53.33%). The majority of farmers (70 %) had knowledge of honeybees but unaware about role in pollination and increasing seed production (73.33%). Present study urged for extension, demonstration and educating the farmer community about scientific production activities, pesticides usage and pollinators role to enhance onion seed production.