Framers harvesting onion in a field in Nagaland. (Photo Courtesy: CIH Nagaland)
Peren, May 10 (MExN): Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland in association with women SHGs of Punglwa B’ village conducted off-farm demonstration on onion cultivation in Punglwa B’ village under Peren district.
It was conducted with the primary objective to extend and promote commercial cultivation of onion in the state and to create avenue for sustainable income and improve livelihood of the farming communities.
The CIH Director in a press release stated that the institute distributed two varieties onion seeds to the famers viz Nasik Red and Red 3. Cultivation started during December 2020 under the technical guidance and supervision of the institute.
The onions cultivated under this demonstration programme were harvested at about 16 weeks from the time of transplanting of seedlings.
Dr A Likhi, Addl Secretary, MoA during his visit to demonstration site also appreciated the efforts taken up by the institute in promotion of onion for commercial cultivation, it was informed.
Field day was conducted by the institute during harvesting of onion on May 10, which was conducted with strict compliance to the standing SOP for containment of COVID pandemic. The demonstration of onion in 0.25 ha area produced a total harvest of about 754 Kg after cleaning, sorting and grading.
The demonstration was identified as successful as the yield was satisfactory. The variety of Nasik Red performed very well, in terms of size, average weight and total yield.
“The farmers were very much motivated with the performance of the crop which is a success for all of us. The institute is planning to go for further trials on demonstration of organic onion cultivation in future so as to popularize and encourage the farmers to cultivate this highly remunerative crop,” it added.
