Good News for Onion Farmers! DOGR Launches 5 New Bhima Onion Varieties

A major relief and opportunity has emerged for onion-growing farmers across the country. The Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR) has recommended the nationwide release of five newly developed improved onion varieties Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red, Bhima Red, Bhima Shweta and Bhima Shubhra. These varieties are expected to significantly enhance onion production during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.

The recommendation was made during a national workshop organised under the All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic (AINRPOG), recently held at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Kalyani. After reviewing their performance, yield potential and quality traits, agricultural experts found these varieties suitable for cultivation by farmers in different agro-climatic regions.

Bhima Super: A Better Choice for Kharif and Late Kharif:

This red onion variety is recommended for Kharif cultivation in states such as Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. It is also suitable for late Kharif sowing.

1. Average yield: 20–22 tonnes/ha (Kharif), 40–45 tonnes/ha (late Kharif)
2. Maturity period: 100–105 days (Kharif), 110–120 days (late Kharif)
3. Mostly produces single-centred bulbs, which are highly preferred in the market.

Bhima Dark Red: Attractive Colour with Strong Market Demand:

Known for its deep red, flat-round bulbs, this variety is recommended for Kharif cultivation in several states.

1. Marketable yield: 20–22 tonnes/ha
2. Maturity period: 95–100 days

Its appealing colour and uniform bulb size make it ideal for commercial farming.

Bhima Red: Reliable Performance Across Seasons:

Already recommended for the Rabi season in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Bhima Red is now also suggested for Kharif and late Kharif cultivation in multiple states.

1. Yield: 19–21 tonnes/ha (Kharif), 48–52 tonnes/ha (late Kharif), 30–32 tonnes/ha (Rabi)
2. Storage life: Up to 3 months in the Rabi season

This variety offers stable production across all three seasons.

Bhima Shweta: Improved White Onion Variety:

This white onion variety, earlier recommended for Rabi, is now also advised for Kharif cultivation in several states.

1. TSS: Around 11–12° Brix
2. Maturity period: 110–120 days
3. Yield: 18–20 tonnes/ha (Kharif), 26–30 tonnes/ha (Rabi)
4. Storage: Medium, up to 3 months

Bhima Shubhra: Climate-Resilient White Variety:

Suitable for both Kharif and late Kharif seasons, Bhima Shubhra is known for its tolerance to weather fluctuations.

1. Maturity period: 110–115 days (Kharif), 120–130 days (late Kharif)
2. Yield: 18–20 tonnes/ha (Kharif), 36–42 tonnes/ha (late Kharif)
3. Offers medium storage quality and stable performance.

Direct Benefits for Farmers: The release of these new onion varieties will provide farmers with higher yields, better market prices and opportunities for crop diversification. Experts believe that these improved varieties will bring greater stability to onion production and play a key role in enhancing farmers’ income across different growing seasons.

FAQs:

Q1. Who developed these new onion varieties?
These varieties were developed by the Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR).

Q2. Are these onion varieties suitable for Kharif season?
Yes, all five Bhima onion varieties are recommended for Kharif and/or late Kharif.

Q3. Which variety is best for storage?
Bhima Red offers up to 3 months storage during the Rabi season.

Q4. Are white onion varieties also included?
Yes, Bhima Shweta and Bhima Shubhra are improved white onion varieties.

Q5. Where can farmers get authentic updates on onion farming?
Farmers can follow Khetivyapar for reliable updates on onion varieties, mandi prices and farming news.