INTRODUCTION

The onion belongs to the Allium genus, one of the most widespread monocotyledonous plants (Ochar and Kim, 2023) and is an herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) grown for its edible bulb (Britannica, 2024). The bulb onion is one of the most consumed food crops in the world and a significant edible vegetable in Paraguay (Enciso and Roman, 2011).

Paraguay is divided into two regions: Eastern and Western or Chaco. The Western Region comprises a single agroecological zone where saline soils prevail, low rainfall almost all year round with a range of 600 to 1000 mm/year, with prolonged droughts for up to 7 continuous months, relative humidity ranges from 55 to 69%, while the average annual temperature ranges between 23 and 40 ºC. The Eastern Region comprises seven agroecological zones with broader soil characteristics, which are diverse and suitable for agricultural development. In general, rainfall varies from 1200 to 1800 mm/year, the average humidity varies between 71 and 79% and the average temperature is between 21 to 24 ºC (MAG, 2018). Ninety-nine percent of the national onion production is concentrated in the Eastern Region, distributed at different levels among all the departments, mainly in Caaguazú and Paraguarí, concentrating 68% of national onion production. The distribution of the cultivated area by department can be seen in the map in Figure 1, which shows that the concentration of cultivated area in 2022 is mainly between the departments of Caaguazú with 501 ha, Paraguarí with 364 ha, and Itapúa with 211 ha of onion production (DCEA-MAG, 2023;INE, 2023). Onion production in Paraguay is estimated to be 10,427 ton/year in a cultivation area of approximately 1,000 ha, which allows for supplying only part of the national consumption (INE, 2023). As a result, the onion market is highly dependent on imports from Argentina and Brazil, with 60% of the domestic consumption being sourced mainly from Argentina (Enciso and Román, 2011). Therefore, despite the increase in national onion yields in recent years (Fig. 2), it seems unlikely that Paraguay will become self-sufficient in onion supply in the short term. Domestic yields are about 40% lower than Argentina (26 ton/ha) and Brazil (24 ton/ha), and the yield gap is even bigger compared to South Korea (67.7 ton/ha) (FAO, 2024a). In general, onion production is constrained by lack technical information on appropriate cultivation methods, planning for the better season of sowing and the lack of better adapted varieties (Arboleya and Maeso, 2018;Candia and Enciso, 2006;Galmarini, 1997;Reis, 2008). In addition, there is a dearth of scientific information regarding the present status of onion bulb production, and technical know-how in Paraguay. Therefore, suitable technologies must be continually developed to provide valuable support to farmers. This review article describes the agroclimatic conditions of the main production areas in the country according to the requirements of the crop, contemplates the historical and current situation of local onion production, production technologies, and the updating of local research efforts, as well as the description of the results obtained in the KOPIA-IPTA cooperation study for the installation of a suitable onion cultivation system in several areas. Localities, and finally, emphasizes the perspective of the production of this item in Paraguay.

AGROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND CULTIVATION SYSTEM

Climate requirements

Temperature and photoperiod are crucial environmental variables for bulbing onions, and different cultivars show variations in their requirements and responses to these variables (Bertaud, 1986;Khokhar, 2008, 2017). Long-day varieties start bulbing when the day length reaches 16–14 hours; day-neutral and short-day varieties start bulbing earlier when the day length reaches only 10–12 and 12–14 hours (Mettananda and Fordham, 1997). Tropical and subtropical onion varieties can be classified as short-day onions because these plants will initiate bulbing in a photoperiod of less than 12 hours and are suitable for warm climate (Smith, 2003). The photoperiod length varies depending on the latitude and time of the year. Most of the onion cultivation areas in Paraguay are located below the Tropic of Capricorn, in the Eastern Region of the country in the Departments of Caaguazú, Cordillera, and Paraguarí, where the average day length in March is around 10 hours, decreases to 6 hours in July, and increases again to 10 hours in October (DCEA-MAG, 2023;DMH, 2019-2023). Nonetheless, it is regulated more by temperature than photoperiod. Even with proper photoperiod conditions, temperature requirements must be met to prevent the delay of bulb formation (Arboleya and Maeso, 2018). Optimal temperatures for onions range between 15–20 °C during early growth and 20–27 °C during bulb development (Khokhar, 2017). In the Caaguazú and Paraguarí departments, the average temperature in March is 25 °C, gradually decreases to an average temperature of 17.4 °C in July, and rises again to 23.4 °C in October (DMH, 2019-2023). Figure 3 shows the average behavior of temperature and daily daylight hours in the Caaguazú Department between 2019 and 2023.

The selection of the right varieties and the right planting season is paramount for bulb quality and yield. Certain varieties such as Valenciana Precoz and Red Creole have higher yields and quality when planted in both March and April, while varieties such as Baia Periforme perform better when planted in March. Late planting may also result in poor uniformity of the bulbs and poor flowering (Enciso and Roman, 2011).

Soil Requirements

Low onion yield can be attributed to several factors including inadequate use of fertilizers and the cultivation of unsuitable varieties for the agroclimatic conditions of the area (Gebretsadik and Dechassa, 2018). Therefore, the optimal application of fertilizers and cultivation of suitable varieties for each specific environment is necessary to obtain better onion yields in Paraguay. Different nutrient levels affect the yield and flavor of the bulbs even when using the same variety. Essential nutrients, especially the primary macronutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), are necessary for plant growth, development, and yield (Blanco and Lagos, 2017). Moltini et al. (1995) have recommended nitrogen (N) from 30 to 120 kg/ha but it depends on the nutrient supply capacity of the soil. Similarly, the recommended doses of phosphorous (P₂O₅) and p otassium (K₂O) in onions range from 20 to 160 kg/ha and 40 to 120 kg/ha, respectively. On the other hand, Singh and Mohanty (1998) reported that the recommended fertilization levels for commercial onion production are 160 kg/ha N, 60 kg/ha P₂O₅, and 80 kg/ha K₂O. Singh et al. (2000) concluded that onion productivity could significantly improve by applying 100 kg/ha N, 30.8 kg/ha P₂O₅, and 83 kg/ha K₂O.

Park and Zarza (2022) recommend using a 100 g/m² base fertilizer of the formulation N-P-K 15-15-15 for the nursery, as well as using a 30 g/m² foliar fertilizer of the formulation N-P-K 20-20-20. In a study carried out in the Concepción Department, Ibarra and Paredes (2013) have determined an increase in onion productivity by applying vermicompost amendment of 7 t/ha and N-P-K fertilization at 120-277-180 kg/ha in addition to the use of sulfur (S) at 32 kg/ha. On the other hand, Enciso et al. (2019), mention the importance of soil acidity management for onion cultivation, with an ideal pH range of 5.8 to 6.5. For the same reason, they recommend the application of correctives (agricultural lime) to reduce the toxicity of aluminum and manganese and increase the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. According to Arce (2017), soil fertility in the departments of Caaguazú, Paraguarí, and Itapúa is predominantly medium with a pH range of 5-6. Overall, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the onion nutrient requirements for the main cultivation area in Paraguay, to enable the development of management strategies that optimize fertilizer use in cultivation and thus increase returns with top-quality bulbs for farmers.

Water requirements and irrigation systems

The total water requirement for onions up to harvest ranges from 350 to 550 mm. Seasonal water needs vary depending on agroclimatic conditions, location, and season, as well as crop coefficients (Kc). The crop coefficient (Kc), which relates reference evapotranspiration (ETo) to water requirements (ETm) at different growth stages after transplanting, is as follows: for the initial stage, 0.4–0.6 (15–20 days); for the crop development stage, 0.7–0.8 (25– 35 days); for the mid-season stage, 0.95–1.1 (25–45 days); for the late-season stage, 0.85–0.9 (35–45 days); and for the harvest stage, 0.75–0.85. The most critical phases for water stress are emergence, transplanting, and bulb development. Additionally, excessive water can adversely affect the final quality of the crop (FAO, 2024b;Pérez and Knox, 2015).

Traditionally, onion cultivation in Paraguay is managed as a rainfed crop, since most farmers rely on rain. The average annual rainfall in Paraguay is 1500 mm. It ranges from a minimum (600 mm) in the semi-arid western end of the Chaco Region, in the triple border with Argentina and Bolivia, to a maximum (1,800) mm in the humid subtropical area of the southeast of the Eastern Region, bordering Argentina and Brazil (Grassi et al., 2005). Precipitation in Paraguay follows an annual cycle with a maximum in summer and a minimum in winter. It starts increasing from the beginning of spring (mid-September) and declines towards the end of autumn (mid-June). The period of lowest rainfall matches with the onion-growing season. Thus, improved irrigation infrastructure and management are essential to overcome the low yield of onion in Paraguay. Drip irrigation emerged as a commonly adopted system, but proper water management is not well understood among horticulture growers. In an agronomic evaluation of onions with and without drip irrigation and fertilizer use in the San Pedro Department in 2016, it was determined that, regardless of fertilizer use, all irrigated plants had 29% higher yields than non-irrigated plants as well as higher quality bulbs (Venialgo, 2018).

Onion cultivars, cultivation practices, and disease management in Paraguay

Onions cultivated in Paraguay are classified into three categories based on their growing cycle. The short-cycle varieties, which are the most commonly used, include Valenciana, Catarina, Alvorada, and Poranga. Medium-cycle varieties consist of Rainha, Valessul, Safira, and Onix. Finally, the long-cycle varieties include Dourada, Omega, Bella Dura, and Salto Grande. All short-cycle varieties have a yellow coloring, while Valessul, Omega, and Salto Grande are characterized by an intense red hue. The remaining varieties display a mix of yellow and reddish tones. Among all varieties, Bella Dura, Catarina, Rainha, and Alvorada are prone to flowering, making them less recommended for cultivation (Park and Zarza, 2022).

The onion planting season in Paraguay varies between February and April depending on the varieties. Short-cycle cultivars are commonly sown in March, transplanted in April, and harvested in September (Enciso et al., 2019;MAG, 2024). The quantity of seeds required for one hectare is 3 to 3.5 kg, however, there is much variability in the sowing pattern from farmer to farmer (Enciso et al., 2019). Direct seeding of onion in the final growing site remains limited due to challenges with mechanization and lack of effective onion sowing in the final location is still incipient, due to mechanization problems and an adequate weed control system weed control system. The seedbed preparation begins with soil plow in combination with 2 to 4 kg/m² of composted cattle manure, to a depth of 20 cm. The seedbeds are established in the field with 1 to 1.20 m wide, 10 to 15 cm high, and of variable length subject to the cultivation area. Seeds are sown manually in furrows 1.5 to 2 cm deep, where the seeds are distributed at a rate of 3 to 4 g/m², leaving a separation of 10 to 12 cm between rows. After sowing, the furrows are covered by a thin layer of soil from the seedbed itself, then watered, and covered with dry straw as mulch or with a shading net to maintain humidity and avoid damage caused by high rainfall. Seedlings are irrigated twice a day from germination to the flag leaf stage and then they are watered daily. The transplants are transferred manually to the final growing site, in 5 cm furrows using a hoe. The furrows are usually prepared at 30 cm apart and the seedlings are transplanted at the spacing of 8 to 10 cm apart. The plant population per hectare ranges from 250,000 to 450,000. The harvest period ranges from September to November (Enciso et al., 2019).

Regarding diseases in the onion cultivation areas, damping- off is the most prevalent in the seedbed, which causes a decrease in the production of seedlings, the causal agents can be the fungi Pythiumsp., Phytophthorasp., and Rhizoctonia sp. The purple spot (Alternaria Porri) is endemic in onion production areas, and another disease with the greatest impact on local production is anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloesporoides). Concerning pests, cutworm (Spodoptera sp.) is a minor, but aggressive pest in the seedbed and in the early stages of transplanting, and the spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) causes significant damage to the leaf, Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind.) are also one of the most damaging insects (Arboleya and Maeso, 2018). Guillen et al. (2019) and Enciso et al. (2019) mention several measures for controlling diseases and pests in the country, focusing on the use of resistant varieties, crop rotations, soil treatment with solarization, proper soil drainage, and the use of various chemical products according to the pest, disease, and timing of application. Coronel and Montiel (2022) have obtained positive results in the in vitro control of anthracnose in onions using the chemical product Carbendazim. However, they also highlight using Trichoderma as an alternative control method, demonstrating reduced mycelial growth compared to other plant extract- based methods.

Post-harvest management and storage techniques

To extend the post-harvest period, it is necessary to reduce the moisture content of the bulbs after harvest through curing. This is done over 3 to 5 days by placing the harvested plants in rows, covering the bulbs of the upper row with the leaves of the lower bulbs to prevent sunburn. After this process, the leaves, roots, and excess soil are removed. Most of the nationally marketed onions are sold once their field curing is complete. However, the most appropriate practice is to store them in a ventilated shed, stacking the bulbs no more than 20 cm high for 30 to 40 days, depending on the variety and climatic conditions. The optimal curing point is reached when the outer scales are dry and the neck is closed. Bulbs are selected according to their size, which is determined by their transverse diameter, and are finally classified into ventilated mesh bags of 18-20 kg (Enciso et al., 2019;Park and Zarza, 2022).

RESEARCH ON BULB ONIONS AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY

Research on onion crops is limited in Paraguay. Paraguay is a sub-tropical country, characterized by low productivity in onion, so research is needed in several areas such as breeding, plant protection, improved agronomic methods and techniques, and seed technology. The available literature refers to trials of introduced varieties. The research on bulb onion was initiated at the Instituto Agronómico Nacional, Paraguay’s Agriculture Research Institute, in 1969 (Fugarazzo, 1969). One of the first documented research reports is the evaluation of yellow and purple onion varieties of French origin. The report stated that these varieties have not had well-yielded bulbs in two consecutive years of research and because of long-day cultivars, these might have failed to give high yield. Some onion varieties were also introduced from Chile, such as Texas Grano, Valencia, Stuttgarter, Zitan, and Rijnsbarger. Out of them, Texas Grano was reported as high-yielding (3.57 ton/ha) (Fugarazzo, 1969). Candia and Enciso (2006) compared the yield of the Baia Periforme transplanted in June at four different densities (333,333; 244,444; 177,777 and 133,333 plants p er h ectare) and h arvested i n November i n San Lorenzo City of the Central Department. They reported that the highest yields were obtained with a density of 333,333 plants per hectare reaching a yield of 25.9 ton/ha.

Several researches were carried out at the Agronomy School of the National University of Asuncion (FCA-UNA) in San Lorenzo and compared different varieties and transplanting seasons. Viedma (2008) compared the yield and quality of bulbs of three onion varieties– Baia Periforme, Red Creole, and Valencianita, which were planted in March and harvested in November. Baia Periforme exhibited the highest performance, with a bulb weight of 129.5 g, a diameter of 6.53 cm, and a yield of 43.12 tons/ha. Red Creole followed with a bulb weight of 73.5 g, a diameter of 6.35 cm, and a yield of 32.90 tons/ha, while Valencianita recorded a bulb weight of 95.93 g, a diameter of 5.52 cm, and a yield of 24.40 tons/ha. Enciso and Román (2011) compared the yield and quality of onion bulb in the varieties Baia Periforme Común, Red Creole, and Valencianita. They were transplanted in four seasons considered late, between June and July (beginning and end of June and beginning and end of July)Valenciana Precoz and Red Creole showed higher yield in the first season with 36.7 and 33.2 ton/ha, respectively and without significant difference with the second season., while Baia Periforme Común in the first season with 46.1 ton/ha. Recently, the IPTA-KOPIA collaborative work has focused on the effect of the transplanting date on the external quality characteristics of 17 onion cultivars. The field experiment revealed that May is the most suitable time for onion transplanting to achieve high onion yields. Early sowing in March and transplanting in May promoted a higher number of leaves per plant, bulb diameter, neck diameter, and a higher percentage of commercial bulbs (Zarza et al., 2015). In a similar study, Zarza et al. (2018) found that different transplanting dates and varieties have different performances in bulb yields. The results indicate that delaying the transplant date reduces the yield and size of the bulbs. The cultivars with the highest yields and bulb mass were transplanted between May 24^th and June 26^th. The varieties transplanted at the beginning of August showed a decrease in their bulb yields.

STUDY OF AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM FOR ONION PRODUCTION IN PARAGUAY THROUGH THE IPTA-KOPIA COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

Different research findings proved that the bulb yield could be enhanced by using different improved cultivars, following all the appropriate agronomic practices, and managing the diseases and insect pests’ infestation problems throughout the cropping period. More recently, within the IPTA and KOPIA project, the yields of different onion varieties were studied in three different sowing seasons during 2021. Onion varieties were studied in three growing seasons–March, April, and May at three different IPTA experimental fields–, the Hernando Bertoni Research Center of IPTA-Caacupé, the Research Center for Family Agriculture of IPTA-Choré, and the Experimental Field of IPTA-San Juan Bautista. At IPTA-Caacupé, the varieties studied were Alvorada, Bella Dura, Catarina, Dourada, Omega, Onix, Poranga, Rainha, Safira, Salto Grande, Valencianita, and Valessul. At IPTA-Choré the varieties studied were Alvorada, Bella Dura, Catarina, Dourada, Omega, Poranga, Rainha, Salto Grande, and Valessul. At IPTA-San Juan Bautista, the varieties studied were Alvorada, Bella Dura, Catarina, Dourada, Omega, Poranga, Rainha, Safira, and Salto Grande.

Figure 4a shows the yields obtained in the three seasons at IPTA-Caacupé. The yields of planting in March varied between 24 and 92 ton/ha, with the best average yield corresponding to the Catarina variety (92 ton/ha), followed by the Valencianita, Bella Dura, and Rainha (87, 71, and 68 ton/ha). When planting in April, yield results ranged from 17 to 67 ton/ha. The best average yields were observed in the Valencianita, Salto Grande, and Alvorada varieties with 67, 59, and 56 ton/ha, respectively. When planting in May, yield results varied between 19 and 47 ton/ha, and the best average yields were obtained in Dourada and Safira varieties with 47 ton/ha in both cases, followed by Alvorada, and Onix with 41 and 39 ton/ha.

Figure 4b shows the average yield results for IPTA-Choré. When planting in March, yield results ranged from 62 to 85 ton/ha, the varieties with the best average yield were Bella Dura, Dourada, and Catarina with 85, 74 and 73 ton/ha respectively. When in April, yield results varied between 31 and 41 ton/ha, the varieties with the best average yield were Dourada, Catarina, and Alvorada with 41, 38, and 37 ton/ha. When planting in May planting, the results ranged from 21 to 35 ton/ha, the Dourada variety obtained the best result with 35 ton/ha, followed by Alvorada and Rainha with 32 ton/ha respectively.

Figure 4c shows the average yields in IPTA-San Juan Bautista. However, in the first and second planting seasons (March and April), no results were shown for the Rainha and Safira varieties due to poor seed germination caused by sowing too deep, which led to an insufficient plant population and consequently, not proper for yield analysis. When planting in March, the results ranged from 59 to 78 ton/ha, with the Catarina, Poranga, and Bella Dura varieties obtaining the highest average yields with 78, 77, and 73 ton/ha, respectively. When in April, the results ranged between 36 to 56 ton/ha, the varieties Bella Dura, Alvorada, and Rainha obtained the highest results with 56, 55, and 44 ton/ha. When planting in May, the results were between 7 and 24 ton/ha, the highest average yield was observed in the Safira variety, followed by Catarina and Salto Grande with 21 and 15 ton/ha, respectively.

Regardless of variety and location, all yield results for planting in March (between 24 and 92 ton/ha) and April (between 17.10 and 67 ton/ha) were higher when compared to the national average yield (10 ton/ha). On the other hand, in the planting season of May, the results were lower, especially in IPTA-San Juan Bautista, where the varieties of Poranga, Bella Dura, Alvorada, and Omega obtained yields similar to or lower than the national average, meaning 10, 10, 10, 9 and 7 ton/ha, respectively.

Through a demonstration fields, the IPTA-KOPIA cooperation sought to improve and increase farmers’ income through technology transfer, providing solutions adapted to the problems identified in the traditional production systems. This involved working with farmers and extensionists to make them aware of the technologies developed by IPTA and involve them in the validation, evaluation, and adaptation of the technologies to promote their adoption. In addition, farmers were provided with inputs for onion production under advanced technological criteria. The regional areas of the study were selected based on the predominance of onion growers from family farms. Regions within command areas of the IPTA research centers and experimental fields were also considered to facilitate the monitoring of the activities. This trial was carried out during the 2023 onion season in the locations of San Juan Bautista in the Misiones Department, Choré in the San Pedro Department, Ybytymí in the Paraguarí Department, and Arroyos y Esteros and Atyrá, in the Cordillera Department. In total, 21 farmers were evaluated in 4 departments: 6 farmers from Cordillera, 4 from Paraguarí, 7 from Misiones, and 4 from San Pedro. In Ybytymí, the selected farmers were skilled in onion cultivation when compared to the other farmers in the other localities. In these plots, crop management was conducted in productive aspects such as timely sowing according to the varietal characteristics, seedbed treatment against pathogens, sowing in lines or furrows, cultural care, tillage and liming of the soil, basic fertilization and N-P-K application, medium to high plant population, pest control and monitoring, and drip irrigation. The proposed onion variety was Poranga. Farmers carried out the monitoring and control of pests, diseases, and weeds. The inputs needed were provided by the IPTA-KOPIA project. The total area covered through the participatory approach was 17 ha, and the average area was 0.67 ha per farmer. The average yield obtained was 33.9 ton/ha, 239% higher than the national yield average of 10 ton/ha. Table 1 displays the statistical summary of the yield by department. The highest average yield (48.7 ton/ha) was obtained in Misiones, which is not traditionally an onion-cultivating area. The average high yield could be attributed to the better soil quality in the plots and the support from the IPTA in the soil preparation. Regarding the yields in San Pedro, the greatest data dispersion (Coefficient of variation40%) was observed, resulting from the heterogeneity of the participating farmers concerning the productive environment and the non-unified management of the crop. The locations in Paraguarí and Cordillera obtained average yields of 32.3 and 22.1 ton/ha, respectively.

The increase in gross income (USD) per hectare was assessed based on an economic analysis, considering an average yield of 33 ton/ha and 2,000 bags/ ha, with each bag weighing 16.5 kg. The control used in this analysis is the national average yield, which is 10 ton/ha (equivalent to 550 bags per hectare). All locations showed an increase in gross income compared to this reference value. The highest increase was observed in Misiones, where gross income rose by 438% compared to the national average. In San Pedro, Paraguarí, and Cordillera the increase percentages were 262%, 258%, and 145%, respectively (Table 2).

Technology transfer plays a key role in transforming agricultural productivity in rural areas of Paraguay. In this work, the application of appropriate sowing time, adapted varieties, timely transplantation, optimal plant population, adequate fertilization, phytosanitary control, and irrigation contributed to improving the yield of the selected producers by more than three times compared to the national average. The means of technology transfer and the potential of the technology to meet the farmers’ goals can motivate to growers for continuous use of agricultural technology. Therefore, Government support is essential for technology dissemination projects and technological know-how to growers to maximize the yield potential of bulb onions in rural livelihoods.

PROSPECTS OF ONION RESEARCH

Onion production in Paraguay faces multiple challenges, with technical production factors, economic issues, and reliance on imported varieties being the main obstacles for producers. Rising agricultural input costs and shrinking cultivation areas due to these difficulties have significantly limited national production. Additionally, the lack of adequate storage infrastructure and instability in the seed market―where high costs and limited access to reliable varieties increase risks―further complicate the situation for farmers.

To this date, no significant efforts have been made to develop short-day onion varieties adapted to local conditions. The dependence on imported cultivars from Brazil, Argentinaremains a reality, resulting in year-to-year instability in variety availability. This situation generates uncertainty among farmers, who prefer to work with familiar varieties that offer reliable yields. However, the constant replacement of varieties in the market forces farmers to face new challenges without certainty of the outcome.

Strengthening agronomic research is crucial for every stage of production. Greater attention is required in key areas such as soil fertility, pest and disease control, and improving product quality. Likewise, research centers must continue developing and evaluating new varieties to enhance the adaptability and storage capacity of onions. Furthermore, extension services play a vital role in training farmers, ensuring they have access to the latest agricultural technologies and efficient management techniques.

Therefore, it is essential to establish a domestic breeding program for highly adapted and uniform varieties, thus paving the way for the development and growth of national productivity and the distribution of varieties among local producers. As agricultural practices improve and local varieties are introduced, it is essential that farmers receive continuous technical support. This way, Paraguay will not only be able to reduce its dependence on imports but also ensure a sustainable and high-quality supply of onions for the domestic market

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