Suitability of high yielding Rabi Onion varieties for yield, pest and disease resistance for Bidar District

Abstract:

Onions (Allium cepa) are a cool-season crop that can be grown year-round in tropical and subtropical regions, requiring approximately 350 to 550 mm of water throughout their growth cycle. The optimal temperature range for growth and bulb development is (13^oC) to 32^oC). The normal rainfall of the Bidar district is about 850 mm and crop is grown in red, black and sandy soils. The onion yields were low due to long duration, short shelf life, high incidence of bolting and rotting during the crop growth period. ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bidar, UAS Raichur conducted the on farm trial on the assessment of the two Onion varieties for yield, pest and disease resistance at Nagoor cluster villages of Aurad taluka. The varieties used were Arka Bheem and Bhima Kiran against the local varieties for yield, pest and disease resistance. The study was conducted during 2024-25 to 2025-26 and the results revealed that Onion variety Arka Bheem and Bhima Kiran recorded higher Bulb yield of 292.85 q/ha and 310.35 q/ha as compared to the yield of 281.30 q/ha farmers practice (Local). Wherein, lower pest and disease resistance was recorded in two varieties as compared to the farmer’s practice (Local). Higher Gross return and Net return were recorded in Arka Bheem and Bhima Kiran respectively as against farmer’s practice (Local). The Benefit cost ratio (2.75 and 2.91) were recorded highest in Arka Bheem and Bhima Kiran as against the farmer’s practice (2.66). Onion varieties Arka Bheem and Bhima Kiran were better option for the rainfed farming for higher yield and lower pest and disease resistance in Bidar district.