Transforming the Livelihood of Tribal Farmers of Nandurbar through Onion and Garlic Cultivation

Amar Jeet Gupta, S.S. Gadge and Major Singh

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ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune

Onion and garlic are important commercial crops which can improve livelihood of farmers. They also play a crucial role in food and nutritional security of tribals. The tribal belt of Nandurbar in Maharashtra has congenial climatic conditions for production of onion and garlic at commercial level.

Cultivation of these crops was limited to the kitchen garden before the initiation of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in this area by ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Rajgurunagar (ICAR-DOGR). Through systematic effort in collaboration with KVK, Nandurbar, focus was given to field demonstrations of improved technologies, seed distribution, and capacity building.

About 550 tribal farmers were selected in the form of 55 groups across 32 tribal villages from Navapur, Akalkua and Dhadgoan Talukas of Nadurbar District. More than 2000 tribal farmers have been trained through 22 field days and training sessions organized by ICAR-DOGR.

⚙ Technological Interventions

Garlic (Bhima Purple): Earned net income of lakhs through high-yielding production.
Kharif/Rabi Onion: Improved varieties like Bhima Super and Bhima Shakti introduced.
Modern Systems: Installation of drip irrigation and fertigation for efficiency.
IPDM & INM: Demonstration of integrated pest and disease management technologies.

↑ Impact of TSP

The area and production of onion in Nandurbar has increased more than **three times** since initiation.

335%

Area Increase

314%

Production Increase

Table 1. Performance of demonstrations and returns from onion and garlic

Activities	No. of Demos	Yield (q/acre)	Net Return (Lakh/acre)	Benefited
Kharif Onion Production	25	80-90	0.70-0.80	250
Rabi Onion Production	60	110-120	0.70-0.80	600
Quality Seed Production	29	1.8-2.2	0.60-0.80	290
Garlic Production	10	34-36	0.80-1.00	100