Onion is an important vegetable crop consumed throughout the world. Owing to this aspect, ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune (Maharashtra) organized a Kisan Sangoshthi on commercial cultivation of onion in collaboration with the G.K. Research and Development Foundation, Varanasi and Agrimitra Farmers Producer Company Ltd, Mirzapur in the premises of ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi on 29th Sept, 2022. About 400 farmers including 260 women farmers from different parts of Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Chandauli, Kushinagar and Ballia districts of Uttar Pradesh and Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh participated in the program. Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Pr. Scientist, (Hort. Sci.) and Nodal Officer (TSP), ICAR-DOGR, Pune coordinated the program.
The event was presided over by Dr. G. Kalloo, Ex-DDG (Hort.) ICAR and Ex-VC, JNKVV, Jabalpur. In his speech he stated that there is immense scope for onion cultivation in Mirzapur. He also described about medicinal properties of onion and its consumption which helps in preventing cancer, obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases etc. He emphasized on how to get more yield from onion cultivation and doubling the farmer’s income by integrating it with the cultivation of other vegetables. On this auspicious occasion ‘Technical Folder as well as a Documentary Film on “Extending commercial cultivation of onion in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh: A Success Story” was released by Dr. G. Kalloo and Dignitaries on dias.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Major Singh, Member, ASRB, New Delhi and Ex-Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune highlighted the importance of onion cultivation in Purvanchal and emphasized to promote cultivation of kharif onion to stabilize price fluctuation during September to February. He also said that there is a huge potential for the production of kharif onion in Mirzapur hence, farmers of the region need to adopt advanced technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR, Pune.
The Special Guest, Dr. Mathura Rai, Ex-Director, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi focused on the basics for improved cultivation of onion and also appreciated work done by ICAR-DOGR to improve livelihood of the small and marginal farmers. Dr. T.K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi also focused on to extend commercial cultivation of onion and both the institutions jointly assured to cooperate with the farmers through GKRDF and Agrimitra FPC.
Dr. V. Mahajan, Director (Acting), ICAR-DOGR, Pune encouraged farmers for promotion of onion cultivation in Purvanchal. He focused to adapt scientific cultivation with proper planning looking into the market demand. He advise farmers to join together in form of FPO’s to get more benefit from the produce.
Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-DOGR, Pune spoked about extending the kharif onion cultivation in Mirzapur and adjoining areas. Dr. Gupta also awared about demonstrations and trainings conducted by ICAR-DOGR and its impact on commercial cultivation of onion in targeted areas from 2017 to 2022. The production and productivity of onion in Mirzapur have increased significantly by adopting the technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR. Based on the performance of field demonstrations conducted by ICAR-DOGR in Mirzapur in the last five years, it has been found that the area of Mirzapur is highly suitable for kharif onion production. Kharif onion has also proved to be more beneficial for commercial cultivation as compared to rabi onion along with other traditional vegetables grown in Mirzapur areas.
Dr. Nagendra Rai, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi highlighted about the progress of increase in the cultivation of onion in Purvanchal. Dr. Govind N. Singh, MD, Agrimitra FPC welcomed the guests and farmers. On this occasion selected farmers were honoured with certificates for their excellent work in onion cultivation. Programme was ended with the vote of thanks presented by Dr. A.K Singh, Director, Agrimitra FPC, Mirzapur.
