Scientists push for use of Bhima Super variety of onion

Davanagere: Repeated experiments having proven that the ‘Bhima Super’ variety of the onion is resistant to the ‘purple blotch’ disease has encouraged the agriculture department to introduce that particular type of the bulb in Jagalur taluk of Davanagere district. The Taralabalu Krishi Vignana Kendra (TKVK), a unit of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, conducted a frontline demonstration for the benefit of the farmers of the taluk.
Notwithstanding the unrelenting rain in Jagalur taluk, farmers engaged in the cultivation of Bhima Super variety of onion, have reaped a rich harvest, said Basavanagowda MG, a horticulture scientist at TKVK. “In collaboration with the Bidarakere Taralabalu Farmer Production Company and the horticulture department, we held a demonstration for a select group of farmers from Arashinagundi and Kattigehalli. We have procured seeds of the Bhima Super variety from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bagalkot,” he said.
Treatment of seeds with ‘Trichoderma Harzianum’, use of arka as a micronutrient, and Verticillium Lecanae as a bio-pesticide, all helped the Bhima Super variety resist blight, pests and even heavy rain, said Arashinagundi farmer, Nagaraj.
Devaraja TN, a senior scientist and head of TKVK, said that, while other local varieties of the onion wilted under the onslaught of heavy rain, farmers who cultivated Bhima Super type reaped 18 to 20 tonnes per hectare. “Standing crops will be harvested in 15 days,” he added.
The Bidarakere Taralabalu Food Production Company was established with the blessings of Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswami of Sirigere Mutt, and helped nurturing a resilient variety of the onion, which has greatly helped small and marginal farmers of Davanagere, said KP Basavaraj, member of the Taralabalu Rural Development Foundation, and a member of the state planning commission.
Bidarakere Taralabalu Food Production Company’s in-charge scientist Mallikarjuna said, “This year, we will ensure that farmers can procure Bhima Super seeds to sow in the upcoming rabi season.”