White Onions

White Onions

Context: The Indian government has eased the indefinite ban on onion exports by allowing the immediate export of 2,000 tonnes of white onions grown in Gujarat from three specified ports.

Highlights:

• Characteristics of White Onions:
o White onions, a type of dry onion cultivar, have a mild flavor profile.
o They are low in sulfur and high in sugar, making them less pungent.
o Commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches for a light, fresh taste.
o Also used in stews and fermented dishes for a mild, cohesive flavor.
• Production of White Onion in India:
o India is the world’s second-largest producer of onions, after China.
o Indian farmers grow both red and white onions, but white onions are more prevalent in certain regions.
o White onion farming in India is concentrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
o Maharashtra is the leading producer of white onions in India, accounting for nearly 40% of the country’s total production. The state\'s climate and sandy soil are ideal for onion cultivation.
o Karnataka is the second-largest producer of white onions in India, with a production share of about 20%. The state has a moderate climate suitable for onion cultivation.
o Andhra Pradesh is the third-largest producer of white onions in India, contributing around 15% of the country\'s production. The hot climate in Andhra Pradesh is favorable for onion cultivation, with farmers using drip irrigation.
o Gujarat is the predominant producer and exporter of white onions in India, particularly from districts like Bhavnagar and Amreli.

Planting Methods for White Onions:

• Onion Transplants:
o Seedlings started in the current growing period are purchased and planted.
o Yields quick bulb growth but plants may become more vulnerable to disease as they mature.
• Onion Sets:
o Small bulbs from the previous harvest are not allowed to mature fully and are dried.
o These bulbs are used in the current season, growing quickly and producing larger bulbs.
• Onion Seeds:
o Seeds of white onions are planted directly into sets in late Spring.
o This method has the longest growing time (up to 4 months for mature bulbs) but produces onions that are least susceptible to disease.
• Varieties and Cultivation Timing:
o Short-day Onions:
- Form bulbs with 10 to 12 hours of sunlight a day.
o Intermediate-day Onions:
- Form mature bulbs with 12 to 14 hours of sunlight a day.
o Long-day Onions:
- Form bulbs with 14 to 16 hours of sunlight a day.
• Soil pH and Nutrient Supply:
▪ For most white onion varieties, an optimal soil pH range is 6-7.
▪ Below pH 5.5, there may be inadequate supply of magnesium and molybdenum.
▪ Above pH 6.5, zinc, manganese, and iron may be less available in the soil.