Evaluation of different Rabi Onion Varieties under Bihar Conditions

Problems of onion crop production and their solutions at farming situations were studies with participation of farmers. In this regard, demonstrations on integrated crop management in onion varieties were conducted in 2017-18 during Rabi season by National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation – Patna under National Horticulture Mission, in differentlocationsofBiharthrough(TDTD)TechnologyDisseminationthroughDemonstration at selected farmers' fields. These demonstrations focused on increase productivity/ net returns of onion per unit area and get the feedback from farmers on the performance of onion varieties. The vigour of the variety is one of the major constraints in production of onion. The productivity and economic returns of onion in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practices. All the five varieties recorded higher gross return, net return and cost benefit ratio in improved technologies as compared to the control plots as well as suksagar variety. It was found that farmers were using old varieties of onion crop without proper use of recommended scientific package of practices. Results obtained showed that over the year NHRDF Red-3 variety performed superior over local check. The gross returns Rs 2,95,502.50/ha, net returns Rs 2,10,227.50 /ha, extension gap ( 146.90 Q/ha) and C:B ratio 3.47were also recorded highest in NHRDF Red-3 variety compared to local variety. Technology gap was highest in NHRDF Red-4(92.84 Q/ha), whereas technology index were minimum in improved variety NHRDF Red-2 12.87% which is at par 13.09% in NHRDF Red-3 compared to local check. NHRDF Red—3 with taking 10-12 days more time for maturity, whereas Obtained minimum onion bulb yield with lower returns and B: C ratio in NHRDF Red with it was at par Agrifound Light Red. It was also recorded that Suksagar as a local variety medium adoption index due to taking 25-30 days less time for maturity in comparisons to NHRDF Red -3 and other varieties. This will subsequently increase the income as well as the livelihood of the farming community.