Onion yield per acre in India generally ranges from 10–15 tonnes under normal practices and can reach 18–25 tonnes per acre with improved varieties and good management.
Yield varies by state, season, and onion type.
Higher yield directly improves income and reduces cost per kg.
With proper practices, onion farming can generate ₹1.5–3.5 lakh profit per acre per season.
Yield optimization matters more than price prediction.
What Is Onion Yield Per Acre?
Onion yield per acre is the total quantity of onion bulbs harvested from one acre of land in a single crop cycle.
Why Onion Per Acre Yield Matters
Yield is the foundation of onion farming income.
Why yield is more important than price:
- Higher yield lowers cost per kg
- Stable yield protects farmers during price crashes
- Better yield improves ROI even at average prices
- Helps plan fertilizer, irrigation, and labor efficiently
Key takeaway:
Consistent onion per acre yield directly improves farm profitability.
Most yield gaps come from management practices, not soil limits.
onion crop yield per acre by Major States
onion production per acre in Tamil Nadu
- 12–18 tonnes per acre
- Suitable for rabi and summer seasons
- Good irrigation availability
Onion Output Per Acre in Maharashtra
- 10–16 tonnes per acre
- Rainfall variability affects yield
- Major onion-producing state
Other Key States
- Karnataka: 12–16 tonnes
- Andhra Pradesh: 14–20 tonnes
- Gujarat: 13–18 tonnes
Key takeaway:
Climate and water availability strongly influence yield.
Small Onion Yield Per Acre
Small onion (shallots) has different yield dynamics.
- Yield: 6–10 tonnes per acre
- Crop duration: 70–90 days
- Market price: Higher than big onion
Key takeaway:
Lower yield but often higher profit due to premium pricing.
Factors That Affect onion harvest per acre
- Variety selection
- Soil fertility & drainage
- Seed quality and spacing
- Irrigation scheduling
- Nutrient balance
- Pest and disease control
Key takeaway:
Yield loss is usually due to management errors.
Onion Yield Per Acre by Variety
| Variety Type | Yield (Tonnes/Acre) |
|---|---|
| Local varieties | 8–12 |
| OP varieties | 12–16 |
| Hybrid varieties | 18–25 |
Expert tip:
Hybrids cost more initially but deliver higher yield stability.
Onion Farming Cost Per Acre (Yield Context)
| Expense | Cost (₹/Acre) |
|---|---|
| Seed/seedlings | 8,000–15,000 |
| Land preparation | 6,000–10,000 |
| Fertilizers & manure | 15,000–25,000 |
| Irrigation | 6,000–10,000 |
| Labor | 15,000–20,000 |
| Plant protection | 5,000–8,000 |
| Total cost | ₹55,000–85,000 |
Income Based on Onion Yield Per Acre
Price Scenarios
- Low market: ₹8–12/kg
- Normal market: ₹15–25/kg
- Shortage market: ₹30–60/kg
Example
- Yield: 15,000 kg
- Price: ₹20/kg
Gross income = ₹3,00,000 per acre
Profit Calculation (Step-by-Step)
- Calculate yield
- Multiply by selling price
- Add all costs
- Subtract costs from income
Example Profit:
₹3,00,000 − ₹70,000 = ₹2,30,000 per acre
Key takeaway:
Yield improvement is the fastest path to higher profit.
For farmers comparing long-term returns, mango cultivation offers a high-profit, perennial farming model.
Onion Yield Per Acre: Organic vs Conventional
| Factor | Conventional | Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Yield | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Cost | Medium | Lower long-term |
| Price | Normal | 20–40% premium |
| Soil health | Moderate | Excellent |
How to Increase Onion Per Acre Yield
- Use certified hybrid seeds
- Maintain 10–15 cm spacing
- Avoid waterlogging
- Apply balanced NPK + micronutrients
- Control thrips early
- Harvest at correct maturity
(Source: Horticulture experts)
Common Mistakes That Reduce Yield
- Overcrowding plants
- Excess nitrogen
- Poor drainage
- Late harvesting
- Ignoring pests
Use Cases & Real Examples
- Drip irrigation improved yield by 20–30%
- Hybrid onions gave a uniform bulb size
- IPM reduced crop loss significantly
(Insert link to related article here)
Pros and Cons of High-Yield Focus
Pros
- Higher income stability
- Lower cost per kg
- Better market negotiation
Cons
- Higher input cost
- Requires better management
- Price risk in glut seasons
Some farmers also explore exotic tree crops like Brazil nuts for niche and long-term farming opportunities.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Onion yield per acre is the core driver of onion farming profit.
Across India, yields range widely based on region, variety, and management.
Final takeaways:
- Average yield: 10–15 tonnes per acre
- Improved methods can reach 25 tonnes
- Yield matters more than price prediction
- Good management ensures stable income
Focusing on yield optimization makes onion farming reliable and profitable.
FAQs:
- What is the average onion crop yield per acre in India?
10–15 tonnes per acre. - What is the onion crop yield per acre in Tamil Nadu?
12–18 tonnes per acre. - What is the onion crop yield per acre in Maharashtra?
10–16 tonnes per acre. - How much yield do hybrid onions give?
Up to 25 tonnes per acre. - What is the small onion per-acre yield?
6–10 tonnes per acre. - Which season gives the highest yield?
Rabi season. - Does irrigation affect onion yield?
Yes, strongly. - Is onion farming profitable at low yield?
Depends on price and cost control. - Can organic onions give a good yield?
Yes, slightly lower but premium priced. - What spacing gives best yield?
10–15 cm plant spacing. - How long does onion crop take?
90–120 days. - Does fertilizer increase onion yield?
Balanced fertilizer improves yield.
Chavan Harikrishna is a dedicated content writer with a strong passion for agriculture and gardening. With a keen eye for detail and a love for nature, he creates insightful and engaging content that educates and inspires readers about sustainable farming practices, plant care, and rural development. Harikrishna combines his writing expertise with hands-on experience in agriculture to deliver well-researched and impactful articles that promote a greener and more sustainable world.