The area under onion is increasing from time to time mainly due to its high profitability per unit area and ease of
production, and the increases in small scale irrigation areas. The crop is produced both under rain fed in the meher
season and under irrigation in the off season. In many areas of the country, the off season crop (under irrigation)
constitutes much of the area under onion production. Despite areas increase, the productivity of onion is much lower than other African countries. The low productivity could be attributed to poor insect pest and disease management
and other problems.