11 December2024, New Delhi: Onion and garlic are essential crops in India, valued for their culinary, dietary, and medicinal properties. The country cultivates onions in various seasons: kharif (October-November), late kharif (February-March), and rabi (April-May). While kharif and late kharif crops meet immediate demand, the rabi harvest often floods the market, necessitating effective storage solutions to manage surplus and ensure availability during off-seasons when prices rise.
India’s average onion yield stands at about 18 tons per hectare, significantly lower than that of other onion-producing countries. Factors such as high seed costs, pest issues, and environmental stresses like excess moisture and drought contribute to this low productivity. Improved crop management, pest control, and storage techniques can enhance yields, stabilize prices, and increase farmers’ income.
To address these challenges, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chomu, Jaipur, initiated a demonstration of the Pusa Riddhi onion variety in Village Aachhojai under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) during the rabi season of 2023-24.
Key Features of Pusa Riddhi Onion Variety:
Bulb Characteristics: Compact, flat-globe shape, dark red color.
Size: Average diameter of 4.8 to 6.3 cm, bulb weight between 70 to 100 grams.
Pungency & Nutrients: High pungency; rich in antioxidants (quercetin content of 107.42 mg/100 g).
Storage & Export Potential: Suitable for long-term storage and export.
Yield: Average yield of 32 tons per hectare.
ICAR-KVK Chomu provided training on best onion cultivation practices through on-campus sessions and regular field visits. These initiatives aimed to educate farmers on effective production, pest control, and storage techniques, yielding outstanding results.
In demonstration fields, the average yield of Pusa Riddhi reached 33.5 tons per hectare, marking a 25–35% increase over local varieties. Farmers expressed positive feedback, noting:
Higher yields compared to local types.
Better market value, resulting in higher prices.
Excellent quality, allowing for longer storage without quality loss.
Farmers benefited financially, earning between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per bigha (1,000 sq. meters). The benefit-cost (BC) ratio ranged from 2.5 to 3.5, indicating a highly profitable venture.
The success of this demonstration has led to increased demand for the Pusa Riddhi variety among farmers in the village. Its outstanding yield, market value, and storability have established it as the preferred choice for onion cultivation, thereby enhancing farmers’ incomes and livelihoods in Aachhojai.
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News) (+80 Million Farming Audience Visits Krishak Jagat’s Hindi Website – Click Here for Website)
