A one-day training-cum-awareness program on “Commercial cultivation of onion” under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) was organized on 4th Dec 2025 at village Rampur, Nagwan taluka, Sonbhadra district (UP). The program was conducted by ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR), Pune in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi; and Agrimitra FPC Ltd., Mirzapur. The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) aims to create productive assets for scheduled tribes by promoting sustainable agricultural development through enhanced productivity and income generation, thereby contributing to the reduction of poverty and unemployment. A total of 114 selected tribal farmers, including both men and women from different parts of Sonbhadra district, actively participated in the program.

The training program was coordinated by Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Principal Scientist (Hort) and Nodal Officer (TSP), who briefed the participants on various TSP activities, improved onion varieties, and delivered an expert lecture on Commercial cultivation of onion in the South-Eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh. Dr. Gupta highlighted that since 2022, he has conducted seven training programs, including Kisan Sangoshthi in Sonbhadra under the TSP scheme, benefiting nearly 2,000 farmers and significantly enhancing the adoption of improved onion production technologies developed by ICAR-DOGR. Dr. Neeraj Singh, Principal Scientist (Agril. Extension), delivered a lecture on improved techniques for profitable vegetable cultivation, while Dr. Sudarshan Maurya, Principal Scientist (Plant Protection), elaborated on plant protection strategies and methods for achieving organic agricultural produce.

The scientists also carried out monitoring of demonstration plots conducted at farmers’ fields. Farmers’ queries were effectively addressed during interactive sessions and participants actively shared their experiences and views. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Govind Narayan Singh, Director, Agrimitra FPC Ltd., Mirzapur.