GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF THE ONION MARKET AND PRODUCTION PROSPECTS IN UKRAINE

Purpose. To overview the onion production in Ukraine and the world, to highlight major challenges and ways of further efficient development of this segment in the vegetable market under integration processes. Methods. Dialectical method of cognition to review scientific publications, mathematical-statistical, grouping, analysis of statistical series, abstract/logical reasoning. Results. The current onion production in Ukraine was considered. The portion of this crop in the total agricultural areas and gross production of vegetables was determined; data on the distribution of onion production by natural and climatic zones of Ukraine and farm categories are summarized. Factors that inhibit the efficient development of this segment of the vegetable market were identified; they include: outdated technologies; few or no innovations; few processing, packing, and storing facilities; lack of professional branding and effective infrastructure; underdeveloped agrologistics; non-compliance of domestic vegetable products with European standards. The general strategy and priority directions of scientific support for further onion production in the context of integration processes were outlined. Conclusions. As the population’s material well-being improves, the food basket composition changes in favor of vegetables, including onions, and their consumption rises. Along with the expediency of the maximum use of the existing natural and economic potentials for onion production, one should be guided by this waymark when justifying further development of the vegetable industry in Ukraine. Further development of the onion production in Ukraine must be directed towards high-intensity production based on new high-yielding varieties and hybrids, with high palatability, and towards scientific support for the production. At the same time, in the future, technical re-equipment of the vegetable industry, development of information support systems, creation of marketing services, and development of market infrastructure are necessary.