Integrated approaches for yield and quality enhancement in onion and garlic

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) are among the most important commercial vegetable and spice crops grown in India due to their nutritional, medicinal and economic importance. India ranks among the largest producers of these crops; however, their productivity remains comparatively low because of nutrient deficiencies, climatic variability, poor soil fertility, and limited adoption of improved production technologies. Balanced nutrient management, including the use of macro, secondary and micronutrients such as sulphur, zinc and boron, plays a vital role in improving bulb yield, quality and storage life. In addition, the use of plant growth regulators, biostimulants, seaweed extracts and biofertilizers has shown promising results in enhancing crop growth, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance and overall productivity. Integrated nutrient and crop management practices not only increase yield and quality but also help in maintaining soil health and sustainability. Therefore, adoption of scientific crop management, improved varieties and climate-resilient technologies is essential for enhancing productivity, profitability and export potential of onion and garlic cultivation in India.