ONION PRODUCTION & STORAGE SYSTEM REPORT

Secondary Report

A) Introduction to onion production in India, and onion varieties grown in India.

Onion Production System in India:-

India is one of the largest producers of onion in the world second only to China, accounting for 16 percent of world area and 10 percent of production. India
produces around 40 lakh metric tons (mts.) of onion annually. It is one of the most important vegetable crops of our country and forms a part of daily diet in
almost all households. Most of the onion produced in India comes from the state of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

VARIETIES

A number of onion varieties have been developed in India by SAUs and ICAR Institutes for cultivation in different regions. About 35 improved varieties have
been classified into 2 groups - common onions and mulplier onion

The common onions have been grouped into 3 sub-groups based on colour of skin, i.e. red, yellow and white. The descriptions of varieties are given here under:
1.Big
Onion Red Coloured Bulbs
Agrifound Dark Red

Agrifound Light Red

NHRDF Red

Pusa Red

Pusa Ratnar

Pusa Madhavi

Arka Niketan

Arka Kalyan

Arka Pragati

Punjab Selection

Punjab Red Round

N 2-4-1

N 53

Kalyanpur Red Round

Hissar 2

Baswant 780

Udaipur 101
CROP IMPROVEMENT
Developed six improved varieties, viz. Agrifound Dark Red,
Agrifound Light Red, NHRDF Red (Line 28), Agrifound White,
Agrifound Rose (small onion) and Agrifound Red (multiplier
onion). Of them, Agrifound Light Red, Agrifound Dark Red and
NHRDF Red have been notified by the Government of India.

Varieties identified for export

TanaFl, Arad-H, Mercedes, HA-60, Couger, Excalibur Linda

Vista and Colina (yellow type), Juni and Matahari (red type) and
Kristal (white type) have been identified as suitable varieties of
onion for the export to European countries.
: Important characters of onion varieties

Variety Colour Shape Maturity TSS Productivity Remarks

(%) ( q / ha )
Agrifound Dark red Global round, medium to big 90-100 days from 12-13 300-400 Medium
Dark Red transplanting storer
Agrifound Light red Global round, medium to 120 days from 13-14 300-325 Good storer
Light Red big, compact , outer scale transplanting
tight
Agrifound Scarlet red Flatish round, 2.5-3.5 cm 95-110 days from 16-18 190-200 Good storer
Rose diameter sowing
Agrifound Brick red 5-6 bulblets/ clump, bulblet 66-67 days from 15-17 180-200 Good storer
Rose of 2-2.5 cm size sowing
Arad (H) Yellow Big-sized global round bulbs 90-100 days after 9-10 500—800 Poor storer
of 6-8 cm diameter transplanting

A) Production - State-wise distribution of Onion Production including Tables and Charts.

State District/Area

Product
Dehydrated Onion Gujarat Districts of Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli,
Rajkot, Junagadh and Jamnagar.
Onion Maharashtra Districts of Nasik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Satara and
Solapur
 Onion Madhya Pradesh Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Shajapur,
Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur
Rose Onion Karnataka Bangalore (Urban), Bangalore (Rural), Kolar

Onion Production in Maharashtra:-

Maharashtra is the leading producer accounting for 20% of the area and 30% of the production. In Maharashtra, Nashik district (Lasal gaon, Chandwad)
contributes 35 to 40 % of the state’s production. The other major onion producing districts of Maharashtra are Pune, Ahmednagar, Satara, Sholapur and Dhulia.
Maharashtra State contributes about 80-85% in the total onion export.
Out of the total onion production in the State, 10-15% onion production is in Kharif season, 30-40% production is in Late Kharif and 50-60% production is in
Rabi/Summer season.

Onion varieties grown in Maharashtra

No Variety Season Colour Remarks

1 N-53 Kharif Red Poor Storage
2 Baswant-780 Kharif Red Poor Storage
3 N2-4-1 Rabi Brick-Red Good Storage
4 N-257-9-1 Rabi White Good Storage
5 PhuleSafed All year White Good for Dehydration
6 PhuleSuvarna Late Kharif /Rabi Yellow Red Good for export to Europe
7 AFDR Late Kharif /Rabi Dark Red Fairly Good for Storage
8 AFLR Rabi Light Red Good Storage
Onion production Seasons (in Maharashtra)

No Season Growing Months Harvest months Storage Quality Remarks

1 Kharif /Rainy June-August August-September Poor (1 month) 10 %
2 Late Kharif (Rangda) September-November November-December Poor (1 month) 30-40 %
3 Rabi /Winter (Pol /Unhali) December-February February-March Good (4-6 month) 50-60 %
Onion produced in summer (Rabi season) is suitable for export. About 50% to 60 % of onion produced in the State is of export quality.

Onion Production in Karnataka :-

• Karnataka state accounted for 20 per cent area and 13 per cent total output of onion in the country. In the state of Karnataka, north Karnataka accounts
for the bulk of the total onion production and Hubli and Belgaum are biggest onion markets. The onion produced in North Karnataka is distributed
throughout the country. Bulk of the onion exported from India also originates from North Karnataka. Though there is great potential for the state of
Karnataka in the cultivation of onion crop, formers often incur losses due to low prices, lack of market outlet and other infrastructure in the marketing
system. From Karnataka Onions are exported through National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) , The Karnataka
State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd. (KSCMF), The National Co-operative Consumers Federation of India Ltd., (NCCF), The North Karnataka
Onion Growers Co-operative Society (NKOGCS) and Karnataka State Produce Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC), Bangalore.

Onion Production In Gujarat :-

• Gujarat ranks second in Onion production, contributing 17% to the national output. Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Rajkot and Kheda are the
major districts producing onion in the state.
ONION PRODUCTION: State-wise (year 2009-2010)

No. State Area Production(' 000 tons MT) Productivity

(' 000 ha) ( tons/ ha)
1. Andhra Pradesh 26.00 244.00 9.38
2. Bihar 28.75 329.88 11.47
3. Gujarath 35.50 750.00 21.13
4. Karnataka 53.00 395.00 7.45
5. Madhya Pradesh 39.55 517.35 13.08
6. Maharashtra 111.65 2409.18 21.58
7. Orissa 60.45 522.47 8.64
8. Rajasthan 37.75 570.00 15.10
9. Tamilnadu 30.50 320.50 10.51
10. Uttar Pradesh 69.50 778.75 11.21
11. Haryana 16.00 329.00 20.56
12. Other 45.50 563.00 12.37
Total 554.15 7729.13
Onion Production Seasons:-
Sr. Time
Onion seasons of
–In India Time of Time of
Seasons
No. Sowing Transplanting Harvesting
Maharashtra and some parts of Gujarat
May-June July-August Sept.-December
1. Kharif
A. August-Sept. Sept.-Oct. January-March
2. Early Rabi or late Kharif
October-Nov. Dec.-January April-May
3. Rabi

Tamilnadu / Karnataka and AP

 March-April April-May  July-August
B. 1. Early kharif
May-June July-August Ovt.-November
2. Kharif
Sept.-Oct. Nov.-December March-April
3. Rabi
Rajasthan/Haryana/Punjab/UP and Bihar
May-June  July-August  Nov.-December
C. 1. Kharif
Oct.-November Dec.-January May-June
2. Rabi

West Bengal & Orissa    

June-July
D. 1. Kharif Aug.-Sept. Nov.-Dec.
Aug.-Sept.
2. Late kharif Oct.-December February-March
Hills  
Sept.-October Oct.-Nov.
E. 1. Rabi June-July
Nov.-Dec. February-March
2. Summer (long day type) August-Oct.
• Statement for the year of 2009-10 and 2010-11 for onion Production in top onion producing states of India.

STATEWISE AREA AND PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Andhra Pradesh 40.40 628.70 15.56
Bihar 54.00 1,080.00 20.00
Chhattisgarh 10.10 179.70 17.79
Delhi 1.40 25.00 17.86
Gujarat 57.00 1,540.00 27.02
Haryana 22.00 468.50 21.30
Jharkhand 14.70 305.50 20.78
Karnataka 140.20 2,248.60 16.04
Madhya Pradesh 58.30 1,022.10 17.53
Maharastra 170.00 2,800.00 16.47
Orissa 33.10 318.00 9.61
Others 15.00 300.00 20.00
Punjab 8.20 175.40 21.39
Rajasthan 48.50 750.00 15.46
Tamil Nadu 35.70 449.70 12.60
Uttar Pradesh 23.60 370.90 15.72
Uttaranchal 4.20 45.00 10.71
West Bengal 21.20 298.00 14.06
Total : 757.60 13,005.10
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

M.P. PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Madhya Pradesh 58.30 1,022.10 17.53
Total : 58.30 1,022.10
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

MAHARASHTRA PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Maharastra 170.00 2,800.00 16.47
Total : 170.00 2,800.00
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi
 UTTAR PRADESH PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Uttar Pradesh 23.60 370.90 15.72
Total : 23.60 370.90
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

UTTARANCHAL PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Uttaranchal 4.20 45.00 10.71
Total : 4.20 45.00
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

STATEWISE AREA AND PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Tamil Nadu 35.70 449.70 12.60
Total : 35.70 449.70
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

KARNATAKA PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Karnataka 140.20 2,248.60 16.04
Total : 140.20 2,248.60
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi

GUJARAT PRODUCTION DATA FOR ONION

State Area Production Yield

('000 ha) (in '000 MT) (Ton/ha)
2010-2011
Gujarat 57.00 1,540.00 27.02
Total : 57.00 1,540.00
Data Source:
DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, KrishiBhawan, New Delhi
Prices of Onion in different Markets -

MARKET ARRIVALS AND PRICES FOR ONION ON 27/2/2010

Market Arrival Price Minimum Price Maximum Modal Price

(q) (Rs/q) (Rs/q) (Rs/q)
AHMEDABAD(GUJ) 3860 500 900 800
BHOPAL (M.P.) 640 600 700 650
NDORE(MP) 5633 250 875 625

NASIK(MS) 1451 375 800 650

VADODARA(GUJ) 748 350 900 625

Market Arrival Price Minimum Price Maximum Modal Price

(q) (Rs/q) (Rs/q) (Rs/q)
HYDERABAD 2530 900 1100 1000
BANGALORE 16656 200 800 600
CHANDVAD(MS) 7430 100 690 600

Export Market of Onion in India.

There are many ups and downs recorded in export quantity and value which is due to fluctuation
in production and prices, and sometimes due to ban imposed on export to safeguard the interest
of consumers in the country. Big onions having, light red to dark red coloured bulbs are grown in
most of the parts. Small onions, known as rose onion, and Krishnapuram onions are grown in
Kolar district in Karnataka and Cudappah district in Andhra Pradesh. Multiplier onion, known as
Podisu and Shallots, are grown in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh.

Big onions produced in Maharastra, Gujrat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are exported from
Mumbai, Chennai , Tuticorin, Kandla and Kolkata ports to Dubai , Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Middle
East, Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles and Bangladesh. Onions grown in India are very much in
demand in Gulf Countries and Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh because of strong
pungency.

Small onions produced in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are exported from Chennai port to
Singapore and Malaysia, and multiplier onions to Singapore, Malaysia,Sri Lanka etc.
Maharashtra has maximum share in onion export.

MONTHWISE EXPORT OF ONION

Month Qty value PUV Source
(MT) (Rs lakhs) (Rs/Ton)
Year 2010-2011
April 173,845.00 20,337.20 11,698.47 NAFED
May 154,356.00 14,194.57 9,196.00 NAFED
June 158,283.00 15,234.73 9,624.99 NAFED
July 179,554.00 17,179.71 9,567.99 NAFED
August 144,860.00 15,475.39 10,683.00 NAFED
September 116,167.00 19,416.14 16,713.99 NAFED
October 98,370.00 18,907.73 19,221.03 NAFED
November 133,263.00 31,370.11 23,540.00 NAFED
Total 1,158,698.00 152,115.60
Grand Total 1,158,698.00 152,115.60 13,128.15

TOTAL EXPORT OF ONION

Year Qty Value PUV Source

(MT) (Rs lakhs) (Rs/Ton)
2010-2011 1,158,698.00 152,115.60 13,128.15 NAFED
Total 1,158,698.00 152,115.60 13,128.15
Onion storage system:-

Need of storagge

Onion is required every day in the kitchen, however they are harvested once or twice in a
year. To maintain steady supply for domestic as well as export market they need to be
stored. Onion is harvested during Kharif (Oct-Nov. 20%), Late Kharif (Feb-March 20%) and
Rabi (April-May 60%) seasons. Kharif and Late Kharif harvest is consumed within one or
two months as there is heavy demand during those months and therefore does not require
storage. Rabi harvest in April-May is in high quantity and available country wide. Rates are
low during this period. These bulbs need storage to ensure availability till next Oct-Nov. and
also gain more profit over a period of storage.

Generally onion produced in Kharif and Late Kharif season is not suitable for storage while
onion produced in summer season can be stored upto 5-6 months and it can be brought in the
market during rainy season i.e. from June to October. Onion is grown almost round the year in
one or other parts of the country. It is predominantly a Rabi season crop but is also grown under
a wide range of agro climatic conditions in other seasons. There are three main crops of onion
grown according to climatic conditions and they are called Kharif, Rangada and Rabi or summer.
According to agro climatic conditions, specific varieties are developed for different seasons;
Kharif varieties can be grown under relatively short photo period (10-11 hr) and cloudy
atmosphere but have poor keeping quality while Rabi varieties require long photo period (12-14
hr) with clear sunny days and some of them have excellent keeping quality of four to six months.
Onion storage structures are designed mainly to store the Rabi varieties.

There are certain problems which arise during conventional storage of onion viz. loss in weight,
sprouting and rotting of bulb. To overcome these losses onion must be stored in scientific
manner and its prices.

Onion Storage Structure Requirements

For effective long storage of onion the parameters essential to be looked after are the bulb size,
choice of cultivars, cultivation practices, time of harvest, field curing, removal of tops, drying,
grading, packing, storage conditions (optimum storage range of relative humidity 65% to 70%
with the temperature ranging between 250 C to 300 C).

Salient Features of Improved Storage Structures are:

1. Construction of structure on a raised platform to prevent moisture and dampness due to

direct contact of bulbs with the soil.
2.
3. Use of Mangalore tile type roof or other suitable materials to prevent built up of high
inside temperature.
4. Increased centre height and more slope for better air circulation and preventing humid
micro climate inside go down.
5. Providing bottom and side ventilations for free and faster air circulation and to avoid
formation of hot and humid pockets between the onion layers.
 6. Avoid direct sunlight or rain water falling on onion bulbs to reduce sun scald, fading of
colour and quality deterioration.
7. Maintenance of stacking height to avoid pressure bruising.
8. Periodical disinfection of structures and premises to check rottage.
9. Cost effectiveness of structures is based on utilization of locally available material for the
construction.

For onion storage, technology may be either with natural ventilation or with forced ventilation.
Although cold storage systems are used in certain countries for onion, this is normally not
adopted in India due to poor economics and lack of cold chain facilities required to maintain the
quality in the high ambient temperature prevalent in our country. Onion storage in ventilation
condition is quite satisfactory when the temperature is maintained between 25oC to 30oC with a
relative humidity range of 65% to 70%. This environment reduces the storage losses, which are
in the form of physiological loss in weight, rotting and sprouting. The onion storage structure
should be oriented in the North - South direction i.e., length facing the East-West direction. The
storage of onion will be on raised perforated platform of 0.60 m height with bottom and side
ventilations. The ground clearance may be 60 cm with side opening of upto 80%. Height of
storage under ventilation storage should be in the range of 90 cm to 150 cm. For a 25 MT
storage, the size of onion storage area will be 4.5m X 6.0m. The width of storage may be reduced
depending upon the availability of local construction material and ambient condition. The length
of storage structure may be increased to suit the requirements of the individual farmers. The
minimum overhang of 1.5 m on the windward side and 0.5 m on all other sides should be
provided to protect the produce from sunlight and rain.

At leeward side, the opening below the platform should be closed to direct the air upward for
better ventilation. Where storms/ cyclones are expected, leeward side should not be closed when
the windward side is open. During storm there should be a provision to close the windward side.
Emphasis should be laid for better area utilization efficiency. The overall dimensions of a 25 MT
structure may be 6.5 m X 7.0 m. The dimensions can be adjusted depending upon the capacity
and site conditions. The roof of the structures may be either Mangalore tile type or ACC sheets
for a single tire arrangement or RCC for two tier systems. In case of Mangalore tiles, proper
fixation should be done at the ends to prevent damage by air. If cheaper materials are available
which can prevent heat built up at the top of the structure, they can also be used. The foundations
should only support the pillars to bear the load of the structure and wind. Continuous half brick
thick wall may be provided on the leeward side below the storage platform to serve as a wind
barrier. MS angles may be used for the truss and pillars. Half split bamboo sticks supported by
MS angle frames may be used for storage of onion. Side walls can also be of chain link (GI wire)
type. It has been observed that such structures can be constructed with an investment cost
between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 per MT. Therefore, adequate care is to be taken for economizing
the structures.
Nature of losses
Storage losses of Rabi harvest of onion range from 30% to 60% due various factors.
Physiological weight loss is major (25-30%), rotting due to fungal diseases is 10-15% and
sprouting of bulbs is to the tune of 10-15%. In case of garlic storage losses are to the tune
of 15-20% only. Major losses are again due to water loss and fungal rots.

Extent of Storage Losses

The onion bulbs are generally stored from May to November for a period of four to six months.
However, 50-90 per cent storage losses are recorded depending upon genotype and storage
conditions. The total storage losses are comprised of physiological loss in weight (PLW) i.e.
moisture loss and shrinkage (30-40%), rotting (20-30%) and sprouting (20-40%). The PLW can
be minimized by harvesting at right time, proper curing of onion bulbs and subsequent storage at
desired temperature and humidity conditions. Generally, the rotting losses are at peak in initial
months of storage, particularly in June and July, when high temperature coupled with high
humidity result the losses.

However, proper grading and selection of quality bulbs and good ventilation conditions can
reduce the rotting losses. Application of post harvest fungicidal sprays can also reduce the
rotting. But this is not a practice in India. Sprouting losses are usually recorded at the end of
storage period or when exposed to high temperature of humid air. Noticeable sprouting losses are
observed because of storage of poor quality bulbs having less rest and dormant period and also
having thick neck. Comparatively, more sprouting losses are recorded in dark red and white
onion cultivars than the light red onion cultivars.
 ONION STORAGE SYSTEM DESIGNED

BY

MAHARASTHRA STATE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BOARD

CONSTRUCTION OF ONION STORAGE STRUCTURE:

Modern onion storage structures have been so planned to aerate the onions from all sides.
Following points to be followed during its construction.

1. It is necessary that lower base of onion storage structure should be raised from the ground
level by 1.5' to 2.00' for that the foundation should be laid out according to soil type. Pillar height
should be 1.5' to 2'.
2. Skeleton of structure should be rest on these pillars and it should be made up of iron
angles/wooden material. Lower base can be made up of iron angles wooden battens. Its breadth
should be a 5'.
3. Side wall should be made up to bamboo battens/iron angle with the support and help of iron
angles. Its height should be 5'. Bamboo battens/iron angles should be so arranged that onions
should not come out of it and also proper air circulation should be made which should be at 5'
height.
4. Height of roof of onion storage structure should be 2' above onion stored. For roof
iron/cement/Manglore tiles should be used. Material of roof should be heat resistant. Also,
according structural design roof should have sufficient slope.
5. To avoid droplets rain water and sunlight, sides of roof should be sufficiently projected
outside and also same from direction of rain (south-west).

Do's and Don'ts able for onion storage structure:

1. Site selected for onion storage structure should be well drained and should be easily accusable
to good road. Ill drained and deep site should be avoided.
2. Onion storage structure should be naturally ventilated from lower and other sides.
Circumstance for natural ventilation should be avoided or minimise.
3. There should not be tall civil work close to structure. Tall civil work should be 1.5 times
height of onion storage structure away from onion storage structure.
4. The width of onion storage structure should be 610 cm. for natural air circulation. In high
humid area width of storage structure should be less otherwise there should be provision of
mechanism for air circulation. The width of onion storage structure should not be more.
5. The length of onion storage structure should be right angle to the direction of wind (East-
West). While constructing onion storage structure the length of structure should not be in the
direction of wind.6. Windward side of storage should have closing system during storm and
heavy rain and opening facility when necessary. During storm and heavy rain windward side of
storage should not be open.
7. The sides of the roof should be sufficiently forwarded to avoid rainwater and to resist heat.
The sides should not be short.
8. There should be heat resistant material at the upper side of roof of onion storage structure. Do
not use galvanised iron sheets for roof.
Storage Structure:

NRCOG designed various types of storage structures and studied their efficacy in lowering down
storage losses and recommended following types of storage structures.

1. Bottom and side ventilated two rows structure of 25 to 50 tons capacity.

2. Bottom and side ventilated single row low cost storage structure of 5 to 10 tons capacity.

3. Cold storage of 0˚c temperature and 65-70% humidity.

In natural ventilated structures losses can be lowed down up to 20-25% against 50% and in cold
storage up to 0%.
Onion storage structure of 25 M.T. Capacity:

Onion storage structure of 50 M.T.Capacity: