Onion farming in Maharashtra

Maharashtra boasts an illustrious history of onion farming. Onions are a staple vegetable in Indian cuisine and hold significant economic importance for farmers in the region. In this blog, we delve into the art and science of onion farming in Maharashtra, exploring its cultivation, challenges, and the secrets to a successful harvest.

Cultivation of Onions

1. Site Selection:

• Choose well-drained, sandy loam soil with good organic matter content for onion cultivation.
• Ensure the selected site receives ample sunlight throughout the day.

2. Land Preparation:

• Prepare the land by plowing, harrowing, and leveling to create a suitable seedbed.
• Remove weeds and debris from the field to prevent competition with onion plants.

3. Seed Selection:

• Select high-quality onion seeds or onion sets from a reliable source.
• Rangda variety is good as you get more harvest.
• Choose appropriate onion varieties suitable for the region and market demand.

4. Planting:

• Plant onion seeds or sets in rows with a spacing of about 10 to 15 cm between plants and 30 to 45 cm between rows.
• You can also get saplings (2 month old) from nursery and plant it.
• Planting can be done either directly in the field or in nursery beds and later transplanted.
• Well drained soil is required. pH of 7.5 and EC less than 1 is recommended.

5. Irrigation:

• Onions require regular and sufficient irrigation, especially during dry periods.
• Avoid waterlogging, as excess moisture can lead to root rot and affect onion growth.

6. Fertilization:

• Use basal dose containing NPM, Silicon and Neem cake/Khali in soil before planting
• Use PSB and tricoderma, bio slurry etc
• Apply well-balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support onion growth.
• Supplement with organic manure to improve soil fertility and enhance bulb development.
• It is important to mix the fertilizer with soil properly.

7. Weed Control:

• Regularly weed the onion plantation to prevent weed competition and ensure better bulb formation.

8. Disease and Pest Management:

• During fog and dew period, leave tips start burning. To avoid this, you need to use Carbendazim and Mancozeb or Nativo.
• Use neem oil or karanje oil to prevent thrips.
• Monitor the onion crop for signs of diseases like onion downy mildew or pests like onion thrips.
• Implement appropriate disease and pest control measures, including the use of organic pesticides if necessary.

9. Harvesting:

• Once Saplings are planted, they are ready for harvesting in 3 to 3.5 months.
• Onions are ready for harvest when the tops of the plants dry up and fall over.
• Carefully lift the onions from the soil and allow them to dry in the field before storage.

10. Profit loss:

• We can get yield of 20 ton per acre. If you get rate of Rs 15 per kg, your revenue per acre is 300000. By deducting cost of around 1 lakh, your net profit will be 2 Lakh. If you get good rate of say Rs. 30, then you can earn 4 lakh profir per acre which is massive. Minimum rate of Onion is Rs. 70 per KG at Gultekdi APMC Pune.

Challenges and Benefits of Onion Farming

Challenges:

• Onion farming in Maharashtra faces challenges like price fluctuations, storage losses, and dependency on seasonal factors.
• Diseases and pests can adversely impact onion yield, necessitating timely and effective management practices.

Benefits:

• Onions are a high-value cash crop, offering lucrative returns for farmers in Maharashtra.
• The versatile uses of onions in culinary preparations ensure steady market demand and consumer interest.

Onion farming in Maharashtra is not only a source of livelihood for countless farmers but also an integral part of India's agricultural heritage. With proper planning, modern techniques, and efficient management, farmers can ensure a bountiful harvest and capitalize on the golden fields of onion farming in Maharashtra.

So, the next time you enjoy the tangy flavor of onions in your favorite dish, remember the toil and dedication of the farmers who nurture this essential vegetable, enriching our palates and filling our plates.