Instead of leaving fields fallow after the rice harvest, farmers can now grow onions. This crop is low-cost, fast-growing, and highly profitable. Onion cultivation allows farmers to harvest in 70–80 days, potentially earning lakhs of rupees per acre.
In recent years, onion prices have fluctuated significantly, sometimes reaching ₹100 per kg. Currently, retail prices range between ₹60–80 per kg. To meet the growing demand and support farmers, the government is encouraging onion cultivation and providing high-quality seeds free of cost.
According to District Horticulture Officer Puneet Kumar Pathak, under the National Agricultural Development Scheme, Shahjahanpur aims to cultivate onions over 300 hectares. Farmers are offered technical training, and high-yield seeds are distributed free. The government’s goal is to make farmers self-reliant in onion production, helping stabilize future prices.
Farmers wishing to receive onion seeds must register with the Horticulture Department. Documents required for registration include:
Once registered, farmers can collect free onion seeds from the District Horticulture Office.
Farmers can earn ₹2–5 lakh per acre from onion cultivation. Onions grown from seedlings mature in just 70–80 days, compared to 120–150 days from direct seed sowing, allowing faster returns and higher profits.
Instead of leaving fields fallow after rice harvest, cultivating onions can be highly profitable for farmers. With government support, free seed distribution, and strong market demand, onion farming offers a reliable and sustainable source of income.
