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  • Onion Nutrition, Benefits, Farming, Cost, Profit and Market Farming Writers

    Onion Nutrition Benefits Farming

    Onion – Nutrition, Benefits, Farming, Cost, Profit and Global Market | Farming Writers

    1. Introduction

    Onion (Allium cepa) is one of the most essential vegetables in the world, used in almost every cuisine. Whether it is Indian curries, Chinese stir-fries, European salads, Middle Eastern dishes, or American fast food, onion forms the base of flavor and aroma.

    Onions are cultivated in more than 170 countries and are considered a high-profit commercial crop. They have long shelf life, high demand throughout the year, and strong export markets. Apart from culinary importance, onions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and medicinal compounds like quercetin.

    1. Nutritional Value (per 100 g raw onion)

    NutrientAmountKey BenefitCalories40 kcalLow-calorie vegetableCarbohydrates9.3 gEnergy sourceFiber1.7 gDigestive healthProtein1.1 gBody repairVitamin C7.4 mgImmunity boosterVitamin B60.12 mgNerve & brain healthPotassium146 mgHeart healthAntioxidantsHighAnti-inflammatory

    1. Health Benefits of Onion

    Boosts immunity due to antioxidants and Vitamin C.

    Improves digestion because of fiber and prebiotics.

    Heart-protective – controls blood pressure and cholesterol.

    Controls blood sugar – helpful for diabetes management.

    Anti-inflammatory properties reduce infections.

    Good for skin & hair – improves collagen production.

    Rich in quercetin, a strong antioxidant that prevents cancer and chronic diseases.

    1. Uses of Onion

    Culinary Uses

    Gravies, curries, soups

    Salads, stir-fries

    Onion rings, sandwiches, burgers

    Pickles and chutneys

    Industrial Uses

    Dehydrated onion flakes/powder

    Onion oil and extracts

    Frozen onion products

    Medicinal/Home Uses

    Onion juice for cold and cough

    Anti-inflammatory packs

    Skin and hair care

    1. Cultivation Guide

    Climate

    Best temperature: 13–24°C

    Requires dry climate at maturity

    Soil

    Well-drained sandy loam soil

    pH 6–7

    Seed Requirement

    8–10 kg per hectare

    Sowing Time

    Kharif: June–July

    Rabi: October–December

    Irrigation

    First irrigation immediately after sowing

    Then every 7–12 days

    Fertilizers

    FYM: 20 tons/ha

    NPK: 100:50:50 kg/ha

    Diseases

    Purple blotch, downy mildew, thrips

    Control: crop rotation + organic sprays

    Yield

    25–35 tons per hectare

    1. Cost and Profit Analysis (INR & USD)

    Cost of Cultivation (per hectare)

    ItemCost (INR)Cost (USD)Seeds₹12,000$145Fertilizers₹10,000$120Labor₹25,000$300Irrigation₹8,000$96Plant protection₹5,000$60Harvest & transport₹18,000$215Miscellaneous₹7,000$85Total Cost₹85,000$1,020

    Yield

    30,000 kg (30 tons) per hectare

    Market Price

    India: ₹15–35 per kg

    International: $1–2 per kg

    Profit

    India (average ₹20/kg):

    Revenue = 30,000 × ₹20 = ₹6,00,000

    Profit = ₹6,00,000 – ₹85,000 = ₹5,15,000

    Export ($1.5/kg):

    Revenue = 30,000 × $1.5 = $45,000

    Profit = $45,000 – $1,020 = $43,980 per hectare

    Onion is among the most profitable vegetables globally.

    1. Global Market Overview

    Top Producers

    China

    India

    USA

    Turkey

    Russia

    Top Exporters

    Netherlands

    India

    Egypt

    Mexico

    Spain

    Key Importers

    Bangladesh

    Malaysia

    Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)

    UK

    Europe

    Onion demand is stable all year, making it a high-value commercial crop.

    1. Marketing & Selling Strategies

    Sell in local wholesale markets

    Supply to restaurants, hotels, and retail chains

    Contract supply to food companies

    Storage for off-season high price

    Export to Middle East & Europe

    Sell dehydrated onions to FMCG industry

    1. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1. How long does onion take to mature?
    110–130 days depending on variety.

    Q2. What is the best season for onion farming?
    Rabi season gives the highest yield and quality.

    Q3. Is onion farming profitable?
    Yes, farmers can earn ₹5 lakh+ profit per hectare.

    Q4. Can onions be exported?
    Yes, India is among the top onion exporters.

    Q5. Which onion variety is best?
    NHRDF Red, Pusa Red, Bhima Super, Agrifound Light Red.

    1. Conclusion

    Onion is a globally significant vegetable with vast nutritional, medicinal, and commercial value. It is an evergreen market crop that gives excellent returns to farmers. Due to its high demand, long shelf life, and export opportunities, onion farming remains one of the most profitable agricultural ventures.

    With proper cultivation practices, input management, and market timing, farmers can easily earn high profit margins. Its consistent demand ensures income stability throughout the year.

    Onion is a complete package: nutritious for consumers and highly rewarding for farmers.

    ✍️Farming Writers