A remarkable new farming activity has taken root in Odisha, with a growing number of farmers having enthusiastically embraced onion cultivation. In 2017, a strategic partnership began to strengthen onion production and increase farmer incomes, between WorldVeg and the Odisha Department of Horticulture. Starting with a comprehensive baseline study to understand existing production and postharvest practices, it identified challenges, and unveiled opportunities.

Motivating farmers to embrace rainy season onion cultivation was pivotal to the project. Through training programs and interactive sessions, hundreds of farmers were shown the benefits of off-season onion farming. On-farm demonstrations were established over 225 hectares across six districts, showcasing improved harvesting and curing, sorting, grading, and advanced storage techniques. These served as an inspiration, encouraging farmers to adopt this high-value crop and resulting in a comprehensive upliftment of the onion value chain.

Technological interventions played a crucial role in enhancing productivity and quality. The project ran 24 training programs on good agricultural practices, disease control, harvesting and postharvest handling practices. Farmer exposure visits further facilitated the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experiences, improving farming practices and rural livelihoods. In collaboration with the Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha, the project also set up buyer-seller meetings, establishing a direct link between farmers and potential buyers. This not only ensured fair market prices but also created a sustainable market ecosystem, providing a lucrative opportunity for hardworking onion farmers to improve their standard of living.

Success stories abound, with named Rajlal Chandan, a farmer from Badibahal village, Balangir District, Odisha, expressing tangible improvements in their livelihoods, as just one example. “Thanks to the increased income from onion cultivation, I could invest in a submerged water pump. This not only improved my irrigation methods but also allowed me to purchase a drip and sprinkler system, further enhancing the efficiency of my farming operations.”

The success of rainy-season onion cultivation in Odisha is a shining example of the positive impact of collaborative efforts, technological interventions and capacity strengthening. The achievements are a testament to the transformative potential of targeted interventions in agriculture. By addressing the entire onion value chain, the initiative has significantly contributed to the sustainable advancement of onion cultivation in Odisha, fostering economic growth and prosperity among local farmers. This project has become even more of a beacon of success in its second phase, leaving an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape.

To know more, see briefs on Phase 1 and Phase 2 (links below), and a short video (see link opposite).

The reports on the ‘Onion value chain improvements in Odisha’ project, Phase 1 and Phase 2, implemented by WorldVeg, in partnership with the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha. funded by Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.