Onion variety bhima super enhances profitability of onion (Allium cepa) growers

The study was conducted in farmer's field in Bagalkote district for three consecutive years during kharif season to assess the performance of Bhima Super over local variety. It was noticed that the onion variety (Bhima Super) recorded average yield of 19.56 t/ha with net return of Rs. 93266/-ha as compared to farmers' practice, which produced average yield of 16.23 t/ha with net return of Rs. 60958/- ha. Timely plant protection measures reduced the average bulb rotting incidence (11.8%) in Bhima super compared to local check (21.8%), average thrips incidence was also low in Bhima super (13.5 thrips no./plant) and in local check (19.90 thrips no./plant). There was less incidence of purple blotch disease (21.9%) but disease incidence was high in local variety (29.23%). The average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 5.67, 2.53 and 11.50 per cent, respectively. The average benefit cost ratio was high in Bhima Super onion (3.12) compared to local variety (2.35). On an average, 19.4% yield increase was observe in demonstration plots over farmers' practice.