🌱 Introduction
Onion farming in India is one of the most profitable horticultural practices. Whether you’re a small farmer or a large-scale cultivator, growing onions can generate high returns if managed strategically. India is the second-largest producer of onions in the world, and with proper practices, you can easily grow onions for maximum profit.
This blog provides a complete onion cultivation guide, covering everything from land preparation to post-harvest storage, while using SEO keywords that help you rank better in search engines.
📍 Best Climate and Soil for Onion Cultivation
✅ Ideal Climate:
Onions grow well in cool and dry climates.
Temperature range: 13°C to 25°C is ideal during the growing stage.
High temperatures during maturity help in proper bulb formation and drying.
✅ Soil Requirements:
Light, well-drained loamy soil with good organic matter.
Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Avoid waterlogged or saline soils.
🚜 Land Preparation
Plough the land 2–3 times and bring it to fine tilth.
Add well-decomposed farmyard manure (20–25 tons/ha) before last ploughing.
Prepare raised beds or ridges and furrows for better drainage.
🌾 Best Onion Varieties in India
✔ High-Yield Onion Varieties:
N-53 – Suitable for kharif season
Bhima Super – High yielding and bolt-resistant
Agrifound Light Red – Suitable for late rabi
Arka Niketan – Long shelf-life and high market value
Bhima Shakti – Suitable for storage and transport
📅 Sowing Season for Onions in India
Kharif Season: June–August
Late Kharif: August–October
Rabi Season: October–December
Sowing time varies by region and weather. For maximum profit, time your crop to target high-price periods, especially during lean supply months.
🌱 Onion Planting Methods
Seedlings are raised in nurseries and then transplanted.
Seed rate: 8–10 kg per hectare for transplanting.
Transplant 6-week-old seedlings when they are 12–15 cm tall.
Spacing:
Row-to-row: 15–20 cm
Plant-to-plant: 10 cm
💧 Irrigation for Onion Crop
Onions need frequent but light irrigation.
Avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot.
Irrigate immediately after transplanting, then every 7–10 days depending on soil moisture.
Critical stages:
Bulb formation
Maturity (reduce watering for better shelf life)
🌿 Fertilizer Management
Apply 20 tons of organic manure before planting.
Recommended NPK dose: 100:50:50 kg/ha
Apply 50% Nitrogen + Full P + K at transplanting
Remaining Nitrogen in two splits at 30 and 45 days after transplanting
Add Micronutrients like Zinc and Boron if required.
🐛 Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
Thrips
Onion fly
Cutworms
Common Diseases:
Purple blotch
Downy mildew
Basal rot
Control Measures:
Use Neem-based bio-pesticides.
Spray Fipronil or Imidacloprid for thrips.
Practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases.
🔥 Weed Management
Weeds compete for nutrients, affecting bulb size.
Perform manual weeding or use pre-emergence herbicide like Pendimethalin.
🧅 Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest when 60–70% of leaves fall over naturally.
Cure onions under shade for 7–10 days.
Remove tops and roots, and grade bulbs by size.
Storage Tips:
Store in well-ventilated, dry places.
Use net bags or ventilated crates for long shelf life.
📈 Tips to Increase Onion Farming Profit
✅ Choose demanded and long-shelf-life varieties
✅ Follow seasonal planting and staggered sowing
✅ Target off-season harvesting for better market prices
✅ Use drip irrigation to save water and improve yield
✅ Sell directly through farmers’ markets or digital platforms
🧮 Yield and Profit Analysis
Average yield: 25–30 tons/ha (can go up to 35–40 tons with hybrids)
Market price: ₹10–40/kg (fluctuates seasonally)
Onion farming can offer net profit of ₹1.5–3 lakhs per hectare depending on variety, input cost, and market rate.
✅ Conclusion
Onion cultivation in India is a highly profitable venture if approached with the right practices and market strategy. By selecting the right variety, sowing at the right time, ensuring good field management, and tapping into direct markets, small and large farmers alike can maximize profits from onion farming.
Start your onion farming journey today with confidence and knowledge!