More profitable harvests from new off-season onion cultivation strategies in Odisha, India

In Odisha, India, agriculture drives the economy, yet onion cultivation faces significant challenges especially during the rainy season. To address this, the ‘Onion value chain improvements Project – Phase 2’ is implementing sustainable solutions. Supported by the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme, this initiative is revolutionizing onion farming across six districts: Balangir, Boudh, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Nuapada.

The project trained farmers in innovative techniques such as using raised bed seed nurseries and polytunnels to protect crops from excessive rainfall. Also emphasized were effective drainage systems, integrated pest and disease management, and postharvest practices, to enhance yields and quality.

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Over 60 capacity-building programs to date have educated more than 1,000 farmers on the benefits of rainy-season onion production. Among them is Bimita Nag from Larki village in Nuapada District. “We followed WorldVeg recommendations, and with seeds and fertilizers we cultivated onions during the rainy season, which we hadn’t tried before.” Ganadip Rana from Sinapali village in Nuapada District, also highlights the shift in pest management. “Previously, we used ineffective pesticide treatments, but now following WorldVeg recommendations, our pesticide use is much reduced, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.”

The project also identified 32 successful farmers who mentor others, fostering community empowerment through ‘onion villages’. With exposure visits to WorldVeg demonstration fields, a further 178 fellow farmers including 70 women have now been inspired to adopt modern onion cultivation techniques. Pramod Kumar Sethy, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Patnagarh, Balangir, confirmed that “The scientific and research-based training sessions with WorldVeg have significantly improved agricultural practices.” And this holistic approach not only boosts farmer incomes but also ensures a sustainable supply of quality onions, meeting market demand and encouraging economic growth. By introducing new strategies for improving onion cultivation, this project is clearly paving the way for a brighter future for Odisha’s smallholders and the wider agricultural sector.

Sujayasree OJ and Vinaynath Reddy, World Vegetable Center – South and Central Asia Regional Center, Hyderabad, India

The ‘Onion value chain improvements in Odisha – Phase 2’ project is implemented by the World Vegetable Center in Odisha, India, with the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Odisha, funded by Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA & FW), Government of India.