Effect of Natural Farming Practices on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.) under Front Line Demonstrations in Kashmir Valley

Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted during the rabi season of 2022–23 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Baramulla across selected villages of different blocks in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the performance of natural farming practices in onion cultivation under farmer field conditions. The effect of the input Jeevamrit was assessed on growth, yield, and economic parameters of two onion varieties, Red Globe and CITH-O-2, by comparing demonstration plots with adjacent plots under farmers’ practice. Application of Jeevamrit resulted in noticeable improvement in bulb weight, bulb dimensions, and vegetative growth attributes in both varieties. The treated plots recorded higher average bulb weight (280 g in Red Globe and 375 g in CITH-O-2) along with increased shoot length, indicating enhanced crop vigor. Based on average bulb weight and estimated plant population, natural farming plots achieved a higher projected bulb yield of 71.2 t ha⁻¹ in Red Globe and 82.5 t ha⁻¹ in CITH-O-2, representing yield advantages of 12.0 and 4.2 per cent, respectively, over farmers’ practice. Economic analysis further revealed higher gross and net returns under natural farming, with improved benefit–cost ratios in both varieties, particularly in CITH-O-2. The FLDs clearly demonstrated the technical feasibility, yield advantage, and economic viability of natural farming practices, strengthening farmer confidence and supporting wider adoption of low-input, sustainable onion production systems in temperate regions.