International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of five onion varieties Bellary Red (Farmer’s Practice), Bhima Red, Agrifound Light Red (AFLR), Bhima Shakti, and Arka Bheem with respect to growth, yield, economic viability, disease incidence, and farmers’ acceptability under the agro-climatic conditions of Davanagere district, Karnataka. Significant variation was observed among the varieties. Bhima Shakti recorded the highest germination (93.6%), plant height (65.86 cm), and collar thickness (1.91 cm), along with the highest marketable yield of 285.4 q/ha. It also exhibited superior economic performance with a net return of ?3,77,959/ha and a B:C ratio of 3.79. Bhima Shakti showed greater tolerance to purple blotch (8.09%), thrips (5.11%), and Stemphylium blight (12.7%) compared to the local check (TO1), which showed significantly higher disease incidence. Farmers' participatory feedback ranked Bhima Shakti as the most preferred variety based on bulb shape, skin quality, color, market preference, and overall acceptability. The findings suggest that Bhima Shakti is a promising variety suitable for large-scale adoption due to its high productivity, profitability, and resistance to major diseases and pests.