Question

Describe the cultivation of onion under the following heads:
a) Selection of soil and preparation
b) Two improved varieties
c) Preparation of nursery and seed rate per hectare
d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare
e) Time of irrigation and method

Hint:

Onion is sensitive to water stress during bulb development; maintain consistent moisture with drip irrigation.

Answer 1

a) Selection of soil and preparation: Well-drained sandy loam with pH 6.0-7.5; avoid saline/acidic soils. Plough 2-3 times to fine tilth, incorporate 20-25 tons/ha FYM in last ploughing; prepare raised beds (90-120 cm wide).
b) Two improved varieties: Arka Khyati (hybrid, red bulb, high yield) and Pusa Red (multiplier, disease-resistant).
c) Preparation of nursery and seed rate per hectare: Raise nursery in October-November (Rabi); sow seeds 1 cm deep in lines 5-7.5 cm apart on beds with FYM. Seed rate: 8-10 kg/ha for transplanting (transplant 6-8 week old seedlings).
d) Manure and fertilizer per hectare: 20-25 tons/ha FYM basal. NPK: 100-120 kg N, 50-60 kg P₂O₅, 50-60 kg K₂O; half N basal, rest in splits; add 40 kg/ha ZnSO₄.
e) Time of irrigation and method: Irrigate at transplanting and every 7-10 days; light irrigation initially, frequent during bulb formation. Use drip/sprinkler to prevent waterlogging; stop 10 days before harvest.