Performance Evaluation of Bhima Super (Allium cepa L.) for Growth, Yield and Economic Traits under Late Kharif Conditions in Telangana, India

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops cultivated worldwide for its pungent flavour, high nutritive value, and economic significance. India ranks second globally in onion production, yet productivity remains inconsistent due to climatic variability, use of local cultivars, and poor crop management practices. The Sangareddy district of Telangana, characterized by semi-arid conditions and rainfed agriculture, experiences low onion productivity owing to the predominance of traditional varieties. To address this constraint, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangareddy, conducted frontline demonstrations over four consecutive late kharif seasons (2021–22 to 2024–25) to evaluate the performance of the high-yielding Bhima Super variety against local checks. Demonstrations were carried out at farmers’ fields in Jarasangham and Narayankhed mandals under standard agronomic practices. Key growth and yield parameters such as germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves per plant, collar thickness, bulb weight, and total yield were recorded. Results revealed that Bhima Super exhibited significantly higher germination (91.6%), plant height (62.0 cm), and number of leaves per plant (10.9) compared to local varieties (83.3%, 56.7 cm, and 8.5 respectively). The mean bulb yield of Bhima Super (223.7 q ha⁻¹) surpassed that of local cultivars (150.1 q ha⁻¹), representing a 43% increase in productivity. Additionally, Bhima Super showed reduced pest incidence (Thrips 13.36%) and disease occurrence (Purple blotch 11.9%; Stemphylium blight 14.3%), categorizing it as moderately resistant. Economic analysis indicated that Bhima Super achieved the highest gross returns (₹320,956 ha⁻¹), net returns (₹208,219 ha⁻¹), and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.82, compared to 1.82 for local checks. Farmer feedback ranked Bhima Super as the most preferred variety for its uniform bulb size, attractive color, extended shelf life, and higher market acceptance. The study concludes that Bhima Super is a high-performing, disease-tolerant, and economically viable onion variety ideally suited for late kharif cultivation under rainfed conditions of the semi-arid Telangana region.