In recent years, Malerkotla district in Punjab has become a prominent supplier of onion saplings, particularly to farmers in the Malwa region and neighboring districts of Haryana and Rajasthan. This shift is due to the increased demand for onion crops driven by a global scarcity and the rising prices of onions. As a result, Malerkotla’s nurseries along the Raikot and Patiala roads are bustling with activity, providing essential saplings for the region’s agricultural community.
Raman Singh, a nursery owner in Jandali Kalan, noted that demand for onion saplings surged following reports of price hikes due to international shortages. “We have started receiving online orders from distant areas in Malwa and even Haryana and Rajasthan,” Singh said, adding that many farmers are placing advance orders to secure their saplings before prices rise further, especially with the forecasted rain that could impact the crop.
Growing Demand and Regional Impact
Farmers are increasingly relying on Malerkotla’s onion saplings to meet the growing demand for onions. The varieties in high demand include Pro 6 and Naroya Punjab, which have proven successful in local agricultural conditions. Karnail Singh, an onion grower from Patran, shared that he and other farmers had already placed advance orders to ensure they get the seedlings in time for their planting season. “We have not yet prepared high beds for transplanting, but we’ve already deposited the payment to secure our saplings,” he explained.
The district’s nurseries are employing careful practices to ensure the seedlings thrive, such as monitoring soil moisture levels, which is crucial for preventing damage to the saplings. The increased demand for onion saplings has not only benefitted the nurseries but also sparked a sense of economic optimism in the region, as more farmers are taking part in the growing onion market.
India’s Role in the Global Onion Market
Punjab has become a key player in onion production, contributing to India’s position as one of the largest onion-growing countries. However, despite the vast area dedicated to onion cultivation, India lags behind China in overall production volume. This shortage, combined with rising international demand, has made the supply of quality onion saplings more important than ever.
The shift towards Malerkotla’s onion sapling industry highlights the resilience of Indian agriculture. Farmers are adjusting quickly to the evolving market demands, using modern agricultural methods to ensure higher yields and better-quality crops.
Malerkotla district’s rise as a leader in onion sapling production demonstrates the adaptability and innovation within India’s agricultural sector. By meeting the increased demand for high-quality saplings, the district is not only supporting local farmers but also contributing to India’s role in the global onion market. As international demand continues to rise, regions like Malerkotla will likely play an even more critical role in ensuring food security and supporting agricultural communities.
