BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th September 2025: In a major push to enhance agricultural income and diversify cropping patterns, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) BTT Convener Bishalgarh, in collaboration with Tripura Agricultural College, the Indian Vegetable Research Institute (IVRI), Varanasi, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Sepahijala, has launched a comprehensive initiative to popularize onion cultivation across Sepahijala district.
Tripura’s mild tropical winters and an average annual rainfall of 2000 mm offer favorable conditions for onion farming, a crop historically underutilized in the region. Recognizing this potential, authorities have focused on integrating onion into vegetable-based cropping systems, especially given the limited land holdings per household.
Commercial onion cultivation began in Bishalgarh Agricultural Subdivision during 2023–24, following targeted training programs facilitated by IVRI and Tripura Agricultural College. Farmers were introduced to season-specific varieties: Bhima Super for end-Kharif and Sukh Sagar and Bhima Shakti for Rabi. These varieties have shown promising yields of 28–30 tonnes per hectare under Tripura’s agro-climatic conditions.
In 2024–25, 60 farmers adopted onion cultivation. By 2025–26, the number surged to 137, reflecting growing confidence and interest in the crop.
Local farmers are already reaping the benefits. Sanjib Debnath from Laxmibil village harvested 100 kg of Sukh Sagar onions, earning ₹6,000 from tubers and ₹5,000 from green leaves, supplementing his income from other vegetables. Ruby Bhowmik of Bishalgarh produced 80 kg of Bhima Shakti, selling tubers at ₹30/kg for ₹18,000 and earning an additional ₹4,000 from leaves.
On September 24, a one-day training workshop on scientific onion cultivation was held in Bishalgarh, drawing 85 farmers. The event was graced by Bishalgarh MLA Sushant Deb, Deputy Director of Horticulture Pulak Gan, Superintendent of Agriculture and Horticulture Himanis Kaskar, Assistant Professor Dr. Trideep Bhattacharya, Dr. Utpal Dey from KVK, and Sector Officer Prabir Datta.
The workshop emphasized sustainable and income-generating practices such as organic and natural farming. Following the training, 75 farmers received 100 grams of Sukhsagar seeds each. Additionally, 10 farmers from Madhya Lakshibil village were provided 5 kg of Bhima Dark Red seeds for cultivation on 6 kani of land.
Officials hope the initiative will foster knowledge exchange, strengthen farmer networks, and promote innovation in agriculture. With growing enthusiasm and institutional support, onion cultivation in Tripura is poised to become a key contributor to rural prosperity.
