Onion (Allium cepa L.) is grown for both domestic consumption and export. Tumakuru district productivity (140 q/ha) is much lower than state productivity (180 q/ha), attributed partly to Bellary Red variety of onion which is predominantly grown. Delayed onset of monsoon and susceptibility of this variety to purple blotch disease during Kharif season also reduce yield and income. The shelf life of Bellary Red is also not up to the desired level (45 days only). Further, 60 per cent soils were low in organic matter and 40 per cent soils were saline.
Technology details:
Arka Kalyan variety of IIHR released in 2004 is suitable for Kharif and tolerant to purple blotch disease. Vegetable special as a micro-nutrient supplement ensures vigour during growth stage further insulating against pests and diseases.
Yield and output details:
- Increase in yield (253.4 q/ha) by 42.84 per cent, over Bellary Red (177.3 q/ha).
- Reduction in the disease / pest incidence to the tune of 33per cent.
- Area under new variety increased to 170 acres by 75 farmers in 3 years.
- Additional production of 76 q/ha and additional income of Rs.80, 000/ha.
Within a few years of introduction, the variety occupied 20 per cent of onion area of 650 ha, there could be a possibility of gain in production to the tune of 42 per cent and an additional income of Rs 76,000/ha/farmer. This is almost double the income of what the farmer gains on an average per ha.
Table: Yield and Economics of Arka Kalyan onion variety demonstrated in Tumakuru district
| Particulars | Average Yield (t/ha) | Gross Cost (Rs./ha) | Gross Returns (Rs./ha) | Net returns(Rs./ha) | B:C ratio |
| Arka Kalyan | 25.34 | 96,560 | 2,53,400 | 1,56,840 | 2.72 |
| Bellary Red | 17.74 | 96,560 | 1,77 ,380 | 80,820 | 1.91 |
Increasing onion farmers’ income was possible through adoption of high yielding and disease resistant variety having better marketability. Improved variety demonstrated with drip irrigation, mulching, raised bed and other water management technologies added to variety performance. Mechanization in sowing through IIHR Onion Seed Drill (Manual and Mechanical) has the potential to overcome the labour problem. Arka Kalyan onion can be stored in room temperature for four to five months without any quality deterioration. In addition, value addition to dehydrated slice, powder, and paste would also fetch more price for farmers. All these would contribute in doubling the farm income in due course.
