‘Irrigation system, fertile soil boost onion produce’

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 16

Onion is an indispensible food article and thus possesses prime position among vegetables. Mid August is the perfect time for onion crop and famers must keep in mind all critical practices for successful production of the crop.

The productivity of onion in Punjab is high due to assured irrigation system, fertile soil and suitable growing conditions. In south-western parts of the country three crops of onion viz. rabi, kharif and late-kharif can be grown but under north-western India rabi and kharif crops are cultivated.

The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has recommended rabi and kharif season crops of onion. Rabi season covers major share of area but kharif is also gaining ground due to harvesting during lean period of availability.

“The kharif crop is grown from mid August to November which requires special attention for successful cultivation, particularly during hot and rainy months. Further, care should also be taken at harvesting, as onset of winter promotes bolting and causes direct loss in marketable yield,” said BS Romana from the Department of Vegetable Science, PAU, Ludhiana.

Climate, soil and variety

Onion grows well under mild climate without extreme heat or cold or excessive rainfall. The ideal temperature requirement is 13-21°C for vegetative growth prior to bulb formation and 15.5-25°C for bulb development. Deep friable, well drained, loam soils, rich in organic matter, free from diseases, and weeds are best for successful crop production.

Nursery & bulb-set raising

Kharif onion crop is raised through nursery or bulb-set approach. The seed to raise this should be procured from reliable source having at least 85 per cent germination. To plant one acre under bulb crop of onion, five kg seed is required. For raising the nursery proper protection from high temperature and rains with shade net or sarkanda is must. Apply 10-12 quintals of well-rotten farmyard manure (FYM) in nursery area well before the preparation of beds. Maintain proper moisture in the nursery beds by sprinkling water twice a day. As the seedlings attain 2-3 leaves the shade net can be removed to harden the plants.

Cultural practices

Seedlings or bulb-sets can be planted from mid August-first week of September. Kharif onion requires 20 tonnes of FYM, 40 kg nitrogen (90 kg urea), 20 kg phosphorus (125 kg single superphosphate) and 20 kg potash (35 kg muriate of potash) for one acre. FYM should be incorporated well before planting, whereas, half nitrogen, whole phosphorus and potashat the time of field preparation. The remaining half-doze of nitrogen should be given one-month after the planting. The planting distance should be 15 cm between rows and 7.5 cm between plants.