(a) whether the high-yielding breeder onion seeds are being used in Karnataka for farming;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the results of yield achieved so far; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote the high-yielding breeder onion seeds in other States also?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
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(a): Yes, Madam. High yielding onion seeds are being used in Karnataka for farming.
(b): Improved high yielding varieties and F1 hybrids of onion, namely, Arka Kalyan, Arka Niketan, Arka Pragathi, Arka Bindu, Arka Kirthiman and Arka Lalima developed at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) Bengaluru are being used by farmers in Karnataka. Nearly sixty thousand kilograms of seeds were produced and distributed during the past 5 years at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru.
National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) in Karnataka distributed 2200 kg. and 650 kg. Agrifound Dark Red onion seed (for kharif season) during 2014-15 & 2015-16 respectively. During rabi season of 2014-15, 200 kg. of onion seed of variety Agrifound Light Red were distributed.
Efforts made in seed production and distribution of high yielding breeder onion seeds resulted in an increase in the productivity from 12 to 16 tons per hectare.
(c): Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, assistance is provided to various agencies for production of breeder seeds of onion for further multiplication and distribution.
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