Onion, one of the most vital kitchen staples, is a significant cash crop in India. India is the second-largest producer of onions globally, contributing to domestic consumption and exports. Onions are grown year-round in different regions across the country, primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
The success of onion cultivation depends on selecting the right variety, which can withstand climatic conditions and offer high yield, quality bulbs, and disease resistance. Indian farmers grow onions for multiple purposes—small bulbs for pickling, large red onions for domestic use, and white onions for export and processing.
This article highlights more than 10 top onion varieties in India, their characteristics, regional suitability, and commercial uses to help farmers make informed choices.
1. N-53
N-53 is a popular Kharif onion variety grown for its early maturity and adaptability.
- Bulb Color: Light red
- Shape: Round to flat
- Maturity: 100–110 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing variety suitable for monsoon cultivation
- Medium-sized bulbs with high market demand
- Tolerant to leaf blight and root rot
- Uses: Fresh consumption, domestic markets
2. Pusa Red
Pusa Red is a high-yielding variety developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) for Rabi and late Kharif seasons.
- Bulb Color: Dark red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 120–130 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Uniform bulb size and high yield
- Tolerant to thrips and pink root rot
- Long storage life
- Uses: Domestic use, fresh markets
3. Bhima Red
Bhima Red is an improved onion variety developed by ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR).
- Bulb Color: Bright red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 110–120 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- High yield with uniform bulb size
- Suitable for both Kharif and Rabi seasons
- Excellent for long-term storage
- Uses: Domestic consumption, storage, and export
4. Bhima Super
Bhima Super is a high-yielding Rabi onion variety suitable for late sowing.
- Bulb Color: Light red to pink
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 130–140 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High bulb uniformity and good shelf life
- Resistant to bolting and diseases
- Uses: Fresh consumption, long storage
5. Arka Kalyan
Arka Kalyan is a high-yielding onion variety developed by IIHR (Indian Institute of Horticultural Research).
- Bulb Color: Red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 120–130 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Large-sized bulbs with uniform shape
- High resistance to foliar diseases
- Uses: Domestic use, fresh markets
6. Bhima Shakti
Bhima Shakti is an early-maturing onion variety ideal for short-duration cultivation.
- Bulb Color: Red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 100–110 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High tolerance to major diseases
- Suitable for Kharif and late Rabi seasons
- Uses: Fresh consumption, short-term storage
7. Agrifound Light Red
Agrifound Light Red is a popular onion variety known for its early maturity and high yield.
- Bulb Color: Light red
- Shape: Flat-round
- Maturity: 100–110 days
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- Early harvesting with good yield
- Uniform and medium-sized bulbs
- Uses: Fresh consumption, domestic markets
8. Agrifound Dark Red
Agrifound Dark Red is grown for its deep red bulbs and high productivity.
- Bulb Color: Dark red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 110–120 days
- Regions: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- High tolerance to pink root rot
- Long storage duration with consistent yield
- Uses: Domestic markets, export
9. Bhima Dark Red
Bhima Dark Red is a premium onion variety with high market preference for its attractive red color.
- Bulb Color: Dark red
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 110–120 days
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat
- Characteristics:
- High bulb quality and excellent storage life
- Resistant to foliar diseases
- Uses: Domestic consumption, export markets
10. Bhima White
Bhima White is a white onion variety ideal for processing and export purposes.
- Bulb Color: White
- Shape: Round
- Maturity: 110–130 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- High-quality white bulbs with uniform size
- Preferred for dehydration and processing
- Uses: Dehydrated onion flakes, powder, export
11. Phule Samarth
Phule Samarth is a high-yielding late Rabi variety suitable for long-term storage.
- Bulb Color: Dark red
- Shape: Flat-round
- Maturity: 130–140 days
- Regions: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
- Characteristics:
- High tolerance to drought and pests
- Good storage life
- Uses: Long-term storage, domestic use
Conclusion
India’s onion cultivation has evolved with the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties suitable for diverse agro-climatic zones. Varieties like N-53, Pusa Red, Bhima Super, and Bhima White cater to different market needs, including fresh consumption, storage, processing, and export. Choosing the right variety based on season and regional conditions ensures higher productivity and profitability for Indian farmers.
FAQs
Q1: Which onion variety is best for long-term storage?
A: Bhima Super, Bhima Red, and Phule Samarth are excellent for long-term storage due to their high shelf life.
Q2: Which onion variety is best for processing and dehydration?
A: Bhima White and Agrifound Light Red are ideal for dehydration, processing, and export purposes.
Q3: Which onion variety is suitable for the Kharif season?
A: N-53, Bhima Shakti, and Agrifound Light Red perform well in the Kharif season.
Q4: Which state is the largest producer of onions in India?
A: Maharashtra is the largest onion-producing state in India, followed by Karnataka and Gujarat.
Q5: What are the ideal growing conditions for onions?
A: Onions require cool weather during early growth and warm, dry conditions for bulb development. Well-drained loamy soil and proper irrigation are essential for high yields.
