Onion and garlic are staple crops in India, valued not only for their culinary importance but also for their medicinal value. Among these, onion cultivation plays a crucial role in Indian agriculture, spanning across kharif, late kharif, and rabi seasons. Despite its significance, the average onion yield in India lags at just 18 tons per hectare due to factors like high seed costs, pests, diseases, and environmental stress. During the rabi season, surplus production often leads to market oversupply, causing price drops and wastage. Farmers needed a robust solution to overcome these hurdles. To address these challenges, the introduction of the Pusa Riddhi onion variety has proven transformative for farmers.
This new variety delivers higher yields, better market prices, and longer storability. By adopting Pusa Riddhi, farmers can reduce waste during surplus production and ensure their onions are available during off-seasons when prices are higher. This variety is helping farmers improve their productivity, earn more money, and secure a better future.
Pusa Riddhi Onion Variety
The Pusa Riddhi onion variety, developed under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) by ICAR-KVK Chomu, Rajasthan, during the 2023-24 rabi season, was developed to address the challenges of low productivity. Pusa Riddhi stands out for its exceptional characteristics:
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Bulb Features: Compact, flat-globe shaped, and dark red in color.
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Size and Weight: Bulbs measure 4.8 to 6.3 cm in diameter and weigh between 70 to 100 grams.
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Nutritional Value: Rich in antioxidants, with a quercetin content of 107.42 mg/100 g.
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Storability and Export Potential: Ideal for long-term storage and export markets.
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Yield: Produces an impressive average yield of 32 tons per hectare.
To promote the Pusa Riddhi variety, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chomu conducted a demonstration in Aachhojai village, Rajasthan, under the Tribal Sub-Plan during the rabi season of 2023-24. Farmers were trained in advanced cultivation techniques through workshops and field visits.
The results were groundbreaking: demonstration plots yielded 33.5 tons per hectare, a 25–35% increase compared to local varieties.
Benefits Observed by Farmers
Farmers reported significant advantages after adopting Pusa Riddhi:
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Higher Yields: Substantial increase in productivity.
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Better Market Value: Premium quality onions fetched higher prices.
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Extended Storability: Reduced post-harvest losses.
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Higher Income: Each farmer earned between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 per bigha, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.5 to 3.5, showcasing a highly profitable venture.
Pusa Riddhi variety not only enhances yields and income but also secures farmers’ livelihoods by ensuring market stability.
