Improved Varieties of Rabi Onion
The cultivation of onions is an important activity for many farmers in India. It is an essential ingredient of almost every Indian cuisine, which makes it a highly profitable crop. Rabi onion cultivation is the most popular method of onion cultivation in India. It involves sowing onion seeds during the winter season, which sets the stage for harvesting in the spring season.
There has been a significant development in the production of rabi onion seeds in the past few years. These improved varieties of onion offer higher yields, are more resistant to plant diseases, and have better storage potential. Here are some of the improved rabi onion varieties that Indian farmers can consider for next season’s cultivation.
Pusa Riddhi: This is one of the most popular varieties of rabi onion that has been developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). This variety is highly resistant to pink root and has a storage potential of about six months. Pusa Riddhi offers high yields of 25-30 tons per hectare and is popular among farmers across India.
Agrifound Dark Red: Developed by the Agra University, Agrifound Dark Red is another popular variety of rabi onion that is grown across India. This variety is resistant to thrips and purple blotch diseases, making it an excellent choice for farmers. It has a storage potential of about five months and yields 25-30 tonnes per hectare.
Nasik Red: Nasik Red is a popular onion variety that is highly suitable for cultivation in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. This variety is resistant to pink root disease and yields about 25-30 tonnes per hectare. Nasik Red has a storage potential of about six months, which makes it a great choice for Indian farmers.
Pusa Ratnar: This variety of onion has been developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). Pusa Ratnar is a high-yielding variety that offers about 25-30 tonnes per hectare. It has a storage potential of about six months and is resistant to diseases like pink root and purple blotch.
Kalyanpur White: Kalyanpur White is an early-maturing variety of onion that is grown in the Kalyanpur region of West Bengal. This variety has a bright white colour and is highly resistant to thrips and leaf blight. Kalyanpur White has a storage potential of about six months and yields about 20-25 tonnes per hectare.
In conclusion, the improved varieties of rabi onion have significantly improved the cultivation process for Indian farmers. These varieties offer higher yields and are more resistant to plant diseases, which ultimately leads to higher profits. It is recommended for farmers to choose the variety that best suits their region and soil type to maximize their yield and return on investment.