Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Shamsher Singh, Ashok Rai, Ajay Kumar Rai, Rajneesh Srivastava, AR Kumari and Neeraj Singh

Abstract:
A significant gap ensures in requirement and supply of onion in the country during October to January and as a result, the price of onion goes–up in the market. The major constraints identified in onion cultivation include lack awareness of improved varieties, non-implementation of POPs, low productivity and poor market returns w.r.t. quality, quantity and market status. Front line demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted on high yielding variety of onion (Agri-found Dark Red) with recommended production technologies during Kharif season in consecutive years 2014, 2015 and 2016 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deoria (ICAR–IIVR Varanasi). Forty nine demonstrations were undertaken for kharif onion production at select farmer’s field throughout the district. The major cultivation practices considered under the trials included sowing of high yielding variety with standardised spacing, balanced fertiliser application and followup with recommended plant protection measures. Results indicate that average yield of Agri-found Dark Red was 21.02% higher (253.77 q/ha) than farmers traditional practice i.e. 209.6 q/ha. Net return of INR. 173110 and a BC ratio of 3.14 were recorded from demonstration trials w.r.t Rs. 84700 and 2.0:1 from cultivation by farmer practice. HYV onion variety Agri Found Dark Red when grown with recommended agro-practices gave higher yield with considerable increase in the per capita net return.