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Onion Farming Guide — प्याज

Onion is a critical cash crop and India is the world's second largest producer. Prices are highly volatile, making market intelligence essential.

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Season

Kharif, Rabi, Late Kharif

Duration

90–120 days

Expected Yield

25–35 tonnes/hectare (irrigated)

MSP / Market Price

No MSP — market price varies widely

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy loam to loam, pH 6.0–7.5

Water Requirement

Moderate — 350–500mm total, stop 2 weeks before harvest

Sowing & Planting

Kharif: June–July. Rabi: October–November (best for storage quality). Late Kharif: January–February. Transplant 5-week-old nursery seedlings.

Fertilizer Management

120kg N, 50kg P, 60kg K per hectare in splits. Avoid excess nitrogen near harvest — causes poor storage quality.

Common Pests & Diseases

  • Thrips (Thrips tabaci)
  • Purple blotch (Alternaria porri)
  • Stemphylium blight
  • Onion fly
KrishiAI Disease Alert: KrishiPulse sends real-time pest and disease outbreak alerts for your district. Enable alerts →

Harvesting

Harvest when tops fall and necks dry. Cure in field for 10–15 days before storage or sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do onion prices peak in India?
Prices typically peak in November–December when Kharif stocks are depleted and before Rabi arrivals. They crash in March–May when Rabi onions flood markets.
How long can onions be stored?
Rabi onions store well for 6–8 months in ventilated conditions. Kharif onions have poor shelf life (1–2 months). KrishiPulse auctions help you sell before storage losses occur.
What is the export price for onions?
Export price depends on global demand. In 2024–25, Indian onion exports ranged ₹2,000–₹4,500/quintal FOB. KrishiPulse connects you with export-oriented buyers.

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