Onions and garlic are essential crops worldwide, valued for their culinary, nutritional, and medicinal properties. In India, onions are cultivated in three seasons—kharif (October-November, 20%), late kharif (February-March, 20%), and rabi (April-May, 60%). While kharif and late kharif onions are quickly consumed due to high demand, rabi onions are produced in large quantities and require storage to ensure availability during peak price periods in October-November. However, India's average onion yield is 18 tons per hectare, which is lower than other onion-producing nations due to factors such as poor seed quality, pest and disease infestations, and adverse weather conditions. By adopting better crop management and storage techniques, onion production can be increased, and rabi onion prices can be stabilized.
Through the collaborative efforts of the Centre for Agricultural Technology Assessment and Transfer (ICAR-IARI) and ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chomu, the Pusa Riddhi onion variety was successfully demonstrated in Aachhojai village, Jaipur, during the rabi 2023-24 season. TSP beneficiary farmers adopted this variety, known for its deep red color, compact structure, and high antioxidant content. Originally released by SVRC in 2013 for Delhi and NCR, this variety has shown excellent adaptability and performance in Rajasthan's climatic conditions.
This variety has an average bulb diameter of 4.8-6.3 cm and a weight range of 70-100 grams. It is distinguished by its strong pungency, superior storage quality, and high export potential. The average yield of Pusa Riddhi is 32 tons per hectare, but with proper training and advanced cultivation techniques, farmers achieved an impressive 33.5 tons per hectare, which is 25-35% higher than previous onion varieties.
Higher Yield, Superior Quality, and Increased Profitability: The Pusa Riddhi onion variety has outperformed local varieties in terms of yield, market value, and storage capability. Farmers reported earnings between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per bigha (1,000 square meters), with a benefit-cost ratio ranging from 2.5 to 3.5. Given its remarkable success, all farmers in the village have expressed strong demand for this variety in the upcoming season, recognizing it as a profitable and sustainable choice for onion cultivation.
