Kharif Onion Production in India- Present Status and Future Potential: A Review

Onion is one of the most important commercial crops in India which is used as a vegetable, spice and rich in medicinal properties. In India major onion producing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. In South India onion is cultivated three times in a year as rabi, kharif and late kharif crop whereas, in North India it is generally cultivated as rabi crop. Major portion (60%) of onion produce comes from rabi season while kharif and late kharif crops contributes to a little extent (40%) in some parts of country. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Rajasthan are major kharif onion producing states. Rabi onion is generally harvested in April-May whereas kharif onion and late kharif is harvested in the month of October-November and January-February, respectively. Major portion of rabi season produce is stored upto October month for domestic consumption. There is a critical gap in supply of onion from the months of October to December. Therefore, kharif onion plays an important role not only in fulfilling consumers demand but also in controlling market price of onion. So far kharif onion production in India is limited to three four states only and it should be prioritized in other states too by keeping in view its importance. Various research perspectives, challenges and management strategies involved in kharif onion production has been reviewed in this article.