In the heart of Bishnupur district, Manipur, onions have always been a household necessity but rarely a farmer’s pride. Most of the onions consumed in the state arrived from faraway markets, leaving local farmers dependent on imports and vulnerable to highway blockades. For years, limited irrigation and low awareness kept onion farming restricted to small household plots, never expanding into commercial promise.
This began to change when ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bishnupur, under the guidance of Dr. P. Bijaya Devi, introduced the high-yielding onion variety Arka Kalyan to local farmers. After three years of successful varietal trials comparing Arka Kalyan with other varieties, the results were clear it offered better yields, superior storage quality, and higher profitability. With this confidence, a Front Line Demonstration was rolled out during the Rabi season of 2024.
Through the support of ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, NEH Components, Bengaluru, seeds of Arka Kalyan were distributed among ten selected farmers across villages like Utlou, Heinoubok, Khoijuman, Thinungei, and Kumbi. Technical guidance covered every step—right from sowing nursery beds in November, transplanting in January, precise spacing, and nutrient management, to timely irrigation schedules. Scientific practices such as balanced fertilizer use, light but frequent irrigation, and careful withdrawal of water before harvest ensured strong bulb development and excellent storage quality.
Each farmer cultivated onions over 1,250 sq. meters, and by April 2025, the results spoke volumes. Where traditional onions yielded about 221 quintals per hectare, Arka Kalyan delivered a remarkable 267 quintals per hectare. Farmers who invested around ₹1.3 lakh in cultivation earned over ₹6.6 lakh gross returns, netting a profit of ₹5.37 lakh per hectare far surpassing the returns from traditional practices. The Benefit-Cost ratio of 5:1 stood as proof of Arka Kalyan’s success.
The lush fields of Arka Kalyan quickly caught the attention of neighboring farmers. What began with just ten farmers soon spread, with over 1 hectare brought under Arka Kalyan in 2024–25 under the NEH program. Farmer field days, training sessions, and live demonstrations further encouraged adoption. The variety even found a platform at the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), where it was showcased as a model of improved technology for the region.
The success of Arka Kalyan is more than higher yields it represents a shift in farmers’ confidence. From dependency on imports, Bishnupur’s farmers are now envisioning self-reliance in onion production, better incomes, and reduced market vulnerabilities. The transition also highlights how technology, training, and trust can empower communities to embrace scientific farming.
Today, the shiny purple bulbs of Arka Kalyan are more than just onions they are symbols of change, resilience, and hope for a farming community that has discovered the power of improved varieties and modern practices.
(Source: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bishnupur)
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