Advanced Onion Farming in Summer: Adopt These Techniques for Higher Yields and Profits

Summer onion farming is a profitable agricultural practice that, with proper management at the right time, can lead to better production and higher profits. For success, selecting the right seeds, proper field preparation, irrigation, and pest control are crucial. Let's explore how onion farming in summer can be made more successful.

Seed Selection for Summer Onion Farming:

Choosing advanced and disease-resistant seeds is essential for onion farming. For summer cultivation, prioritize advanced varieties of summer onions. Purchase quality-verified seeds from certified vendors. Choose healthy, pest-free, and disease-resistant certified seeds. Popular varieties such as Bombay Red, Yellow Shyan, Grand Champion, and Summer Special are ideal options.

When and How to Sow Onion Seeds:

Onion sowing for summer cultivation is typically done between March and April. Sow seeds in a nursery and transplant them to the field after 30-35 days. For normal onion farming, maintain a plant spacing of 15x10 cm, and for denser farming, use 10x10 cm spacing. Growing coriander, spinach, and fenugreek alongside onions can provide additional benefits.

Field Preparation and Soil for Onion Farming:

Onions thrive best in fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils. Clean the field thoroughly by removing unwanted weeds and crop residues. After cleaning, plow the field deeply, turning the soil to retain moisture. Use organic manure and balanced fertilizers to enrich the soil. Avoid waterlogging, as excessive moisture can damage onions.

Irrigation Management in summer: Onions require regular and balanced irrigation. The first irrigation should be done immediately after transplanting the seedlings. During summer, irrigate lightly at intervals of 5-7 days. Drip irrigation is highly recommended for water conservation and better water supply. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, as it increases the risk of rotting.

Fertilizer Management and Nutrition: For onion farming, use well-rotted manure or vermicompost. Provide balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For better growth, spray micronutrients such as zinc and sulfur during the growth stage of the crop.

Pest and Disease Control:

1. Summer onion crops are more vulnerable to thrips, whiteflies, and bacterial blight.
2. Natural Remedies: Spray neem oil or organic pesticides to control pests.
3. Chemical Remedies: Use Imidacloprid (1 ml per liter of water) or sulfur-based fungicides to treat the crop.
4. Crop Rotation: Avoid cultivating onions continuously on the same land; practice crop rotation with other crops to maintain soil health.

Harvesting and Storage of Onions: Harvest onions when 70-80% of the leaves have dried out. After harvesting, allow the onions to dry in a shaded area for 10-15 days. Store onions in a well-ventilated, dry place to keep them safe for a longer period.