Symposium on Contribution of · 1 SMPOSIUM ON CONTRIBUTION OF KOPIA PROJECT PAST EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE PLAN OF DEVELOPING KOPIA MODEL VILLAGES FOR ONION SEED PRODUCTION I.H. CHOI

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Symposium on Contribution of KOPIA Project for Improving

Onion Sector in Sri Lanka27th November 2017

Compiled byMr. W.A.K. KarunathilakaMs. K.N.C. Gunawardana

Mr. M.A.P.W.K. MalaviarachchiMs. M.G.S.P. Pathirana

Field Crops Research and Development InstituteDepartment of Agriculture

Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka

Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA)Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

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This publication was produced based on the symposium held on 27th November 2017 at National Agriculture Information and Communication Centre, Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka. The symposium was conducted by Field Crops Research and Development Institute of the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka in collaboration with KOPIA

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MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

It is a great pleasure to provide this message at the final progress evaluation of the KOPIA project on “Seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion production in Sri Lanka”. Big onion is an important condiment used in almost all daily dishes of Sri Lankan households while it is a major income source of farmers in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. A significant amount of foreign exchange is being spent annually on importing onion. Therefore, to boost the production of onion, both the extent of cultivation as well as the productivity should be increased. One of the main constraints hindering increased production of onion is the unavailability of quality seed material. There is an urgent need to promote quality seed production among local farmers as most of the imported seeds in the market are of inferior quality. Therefore, it is timely that this KOPIA project has given greater attention to boost local big onion production in Sri Lanka and I am glad to hear that the onion farmers in Sri Lanka would be immensely benefited with the technical know- how and the infrastructure facilities provided through this project.

I learnt that, through this project, advance knowledge and infrastructure adopted in Korea was introduced to Sri Lankan farmers for producing onion seed of best quality with a reasonable profit margin. On behalf of the government of Sri Lanka. I would like to thank the government of the Republic of Korea for the financial assistance to this nationally important project and the officials of KOPIA, Sri Lanka for their expertise and dedicated work rendered to make this project a success. I would also appreciate the hard work of the entire Research and Extension team of the Department of Agriculture, officials of the Mahaweli Development Authority and the dedicated farmers who contributed to make this project a great success

B. WijerathnaSecretaryMinistry of Agriculture

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AGRICULTURE

It is a great privilege to write this message on the occasion of the final evaluation on the Technical Cooperation Project “Seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion production in Sri Lanka”. The project was carried out by the Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) jointly with the Department of Agriculture during the period of 2014 to 2017. The major objective of this project was to increase the availability of quality onion seed in Sri Lanka and develop appropriate crop production technologies for increasing onion productivity. The government of Korea willingly shared their agricultural knowledge and technologies both in farmer fields and research fields, while disseminating the proven technologies through their experts. The contribution made towards development of infrastructure and promotion of mechanization by donating machineries for onion seed production in model villages is highly commendable.

I appreciate the great support and cooperation received from the Korean government towards uplifting the living standards of rural community of Sri Lanka by increasing their income via strengthening onion self-seed production to produce quality seeds and increasing onion productivity leading to save foreign exchange spent on onion importation. This project will end up officially in December 2017. However, to ensure the sustainability of the KOPIA onion seed production model villages, Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture will closely supervise the seed production programs of the model villages with the assistance of agriculture extension officials in the Department of Agriculture, Provincial Department of Agriculture and Mahaweli Authority (System-H). We expect a great impact on onion sector in the future through KOPIA onion seed production model villages.

Dr. R.R.A. WijekoonDirector General of Agriculture

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF KOREA PROGRAM ON INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURE (KOPIA)

I am greatly honored by this very special opportunity to speak to the participants of this symposium, which is for the final evaluation on the project titled “Seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka”.

The Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) of Rural Development Administration (RDA) aims to share agricultural technology of Korea with developing countries. KOPIA Sri Lanka Center was established in December, 2011 and eight projects have been conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).

The onion project is one of the major agricultural cooperation projects between Korea and Sri Lanka and has been carried out by KOPIA jointly with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) from 2015 to 2017 for three years. It is a project to establish the foundation to increase self-sufficiency rate of onion seed production in Sri Lanka. KOPIA has established four model villages and supported the facilities, equipment, agricultural materials and other necessary items for onion seed production. KOPIA also has implemented farmer trainings to disseminate technology.

During past three years, rain shelters have been built for onion production in the area of four hectares and the total onion seed production capacity would be around 3,200kg (800kg/ha). KOPIA center also supported to build four units of onion mother bulbs storage structures whose which have enough capacity to store about 120 MT of onion mother bulbs (30MT/storage).

Various facilities are just hardware; the software, cultivation technology is the core. KOPIA Center is planning to continuously provide technical supports. A team of technical support T/F with DOA will be operated, and will share our developed agricultural technology with farmers through KOPIA’s joint projects.

I hope that the technology developed by KOPIA for onion seed production can be expanded to a larger scale by increasing the number of onion seed production farms in your country. Your continuous interest and support is imperative for the successful dissemination of the onion seed production technology.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. R. R. A. Wijekoon, the Director General of Agriculture, DOA, Dr. W. M. W. Weerakoon, the Additional Secretary (Development) of MOA and related officials for untiring support to KOPIA and our projects.

Ryu, Kyoungyul, Ph.D

The Director of KOPIA, Republic of Korea

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CONTENTS

Past experience and future plan of developing KOPIA model villages for onion seed production I.H. Choi and J.G. Lee………………………………..................……… 01-19 Achievements, present status and expected output of onion crop improvement programme under KOPIA project M.G.S.P. Pathirana, J.S.M.D.L. Wijeratne, M.I. Wickramasinghe, M.R.C. Perera, W.M.W. Weerakoon and In Hu Choi…….............….… 21-37

Development of a technical package to increase onion production in Sri Lanka B.I. Hettiarachchi, R.A.C.J. Perera and G.S. K. Samaraweera………… 39-51

Evaluation report of KOPIA project on seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka - 2015-2017 A.T. Sooriyaarachchi, W.M.W Weerakoon, M.G.S.P. Pathirana and G.S.K. Samaraweera……………………………………….................... 53-63

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SYMPOSIUM ON CONTRIBUTION OF KOPIA PROJECT

PAST EXPERIENCE AND FUTURE PLAN OF DEVELOPING KOPIA MODEL VILLAGES FOR ONION SEED PRODUCTION

I.H. CHOI AND J.G. LEE

Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA), Sri lanka centre, Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya

ABSTRACTOnion seed production model village project was implemented in four villages

from Mannar, Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts including Mahaweli system H by the KOPIA centre with the active collaboration of the Department of Agriculture. A total of 127 farmers were selected from these four villages for onion seed production. The model village farmers were provided with imported Korean rain shelters covering 4 ha of land extent and 4 Korean type store houses (165m2 each) for the purpose of onion mother bulbs storage. In addition, KOPIA centre provided 4 cultivators, 2 seed threshers, 40 power sprayers, 25 drip irrigation systems in addition to compost fertlizer and agro chemicals. The project was able to introduce new technologies such as soil fertility improvement package, low temperature treatment for mother bulbs, simple seed germination testing technique and post-harvest technology etc. The project arranged training programs for farmers in Sri Lanka and for farmer group leaders in Korea. About 2,024 farmers from model villages attended local training programs while 65 framer-group leaders attended training programs in Korea. Both local and Korean technical experts visited the sites, and conducted field reviews, conferences and promotion activities. KOPIA centre has assigned a residential Korean onion expert to help farmers. The farmers were able to improve productivity up to 1114 kg/ha of onion seeds, exceeding the project target of 800kg/ha. Thus, the model village concept was successfully adopted in Sri Lanka for onion seed production. Farmers’ unity, efficiency, income, living standards and technology dissemination were upgraded through the project while contributing to the national income and saving the foreign exchange through development of onion sector in Sri Lanka. Even though the project period ended at the end of 2017, KOPIA centre plans to continue providing technical support for the next 2 years. During this period, a team of technical experts will support farmers to operate further successfully in each model village.

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INTRODUCTIONOnion is grown as a cash crop by farmers in Sri Lanka because it is more

economical compared to most of vegetable crops. Onion is not only a seasoning vegetable but also a cooking ingredient. It is also a well-known medicinal food that, cultivate all over the world. Total onion production in Sri Lanka is 83,561 tons in year 2012, which is equivalent to 37% of the annual requirement of 225,000 tons and the remainder (63%) depends on imports.

Onion seed production project has been carried out by KOPIA jointly with DOA researchers from 2015 to 2017 for three years. Initially, seed multiplication and cropping technology development of onion was studied, in order to increase the self-sufficiency rate of onion seeds in Sri Lanka. Suitable environments for onion seed cultivation were identified and an onion expert was invited from Korea to advice for developing onion seed model villages. First, we established a base for the production of onion seeds in the identified model villages. Initially we supported the facilities, equipment, farm materials and other necessary equipment for cultivation of seeds production which was followed by development of onion seed production technology. Then KOPIA supported farmer training for dissemination of the technology. This includes achievements of technology development and Dissemination within onion seed production model villages.

Selection of model villagesWeather condition of an area is the most important and critical factor to be

considered for onion seed production, because if rains prevails during flowering period, it can completely damage by fungal diseases. Therefore, three villages for KOPIA onion seed production model villages were selected from Mannar in the Northern province, Anuradapura in the North central province and Hambantota in the Southern province (Fig. 1).

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Locations of Model Villages

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Climatic zones of Sri Lanka

Fig. 1. Locations of onion seed production model villages and rainfall distribution in Sri Lanka

Establishment of foundation for onion seed productionMost of the farmers in the selected three villages did not have any experience

on onion cultivation as well as onion seed production. They should have known about basic requirements of onion cultivation and knowledge on onion seed production. The, KOPIA project supported them by giving all kinds of facilities for onion seed production including agricultural machineries and other materials which led to establish the onion seed model villages.

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1. Facilities and Equipment

1.1. Rain shelter house installationDuring past three years, rain shelter facilities given by KOPIA center, facilitated

the process of onion production in an area of four hectares that belong to 127 farm households. With the rain shelter facilities it is possible to produce onion seeds even in rainy seasons. It improved seed yield up to 800kg/ha where all four hectare facilities were utilized and the total onion seed production capacity would be around 3,200kg at the end of the project in year 2017 (Table 1).

Table 1. Details of rain shelter facilities supported for onion seed production farmers

Total Galenbindunuwewa Bulnewa Hambantota MannarArea of rain shelter (ha) 4.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

No. of farmers 127 56 48 12 11

* Each rain shelter has 50 square meters (2.5×20 m), 200 rain shelters per 1 ha and 800 houses in four model villages.

1.2. Onion mother bulb storage facilitiesKOPIA center supported to build 4 units of onion mother bulbs storages. The

capacity of a one storage area is 165 square meters, which is sufficient enough to store about 30 MT of onion mother bulbs (Table 2).

Table 2. Details of new storages

Total Galenbindunuwewa Bulnewa Hambantota

No. of storage 4.0 2.0 1.0 1.0

No. of farms 116 56 48 12

* An onion storage rack with 5 steel pipe selves has 1.3m width × 5m length × 3.2m height.

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Rain shelters Onion storages

Fig. 2. Development of rain shelters and onion storages

1.3. Farm equipment for onion cultivationAgricultural machineries and drip irrigation systems were provided for model

villages in 2016. The machineries supported were comprised of four cultivators, two seed threshers, forty power sprayers and twenty five drip irrigation systems. These facilities improved farmer’s capacity and efficiency and attend their farming work such as land preparation, irrigation, and agrochemical application easily.

A summary of facilities provided as pilot venture in twenty four fields at Galenbidunuwewa and one farm at Hambantota are in Table 3. The above machinery and equipment are making easier to farmers for day today activities as

y The threshers easy handling of seed processing after harvesting and produce good quality seeds with minimum efforts

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y Farmer with KOPIA sprayers help to control severe problems like outbreak of pests easily.

y Drip irrigation systems will help for efficient water management, even in limited available water during dry period

Table 3. Agricultural machineries and equipment provided in 2016 for Galenbidunuwewa and Hambantota farmers

Machinery Models Qty UsageCultivator AMC 880SM 4 Rotary & drainage at onion field

Thresher Kondoli 2 Onion seed threshing

Power sprayer BULLET3B-365 40 Pest controlDrip irrigation system 16mmLDPE pipe(7ea) 25 Precision irrigation

1.4. Inputs supplied for model villagesMost of the farmers selected in demonstration villages were growing corn and

bananas extensively. Hence, they did not have any experience of onion cultivation and they were not interested in soil improvement and pay no attention on pests and disease control. However, onion crops need relatively fertile soil with 2.5% to 3.5% organic matter content and proper pest and disease management schedule as recommended in Korea. Therefore, KOPIA supported farmers by supplying sufficient compost for soil improvement and recommended agrochemicals for pest and disease management.

Mother bulbs vernalization should be done for uniform bolting (Flowering) in seed crop. Vernalization can be done subjecting mother bulbs under natural low temperature conditions in highland for about 15 days, which is more appropriate under local condition. Identifying this situation, KOPIA provided 2,000 plastic boxes to all the farmers to transport onion mother bulbs with minimum damages (Table 4).

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Table 4. Details of materials provided from 2016 to 2017

Farm material Specification Qty UsageCompost 50kg/bag 200M/T To improve Soil FertilityPesticides Fungicide and

Insecticides883 bottles To control onion pests

Plastic box L54.2×W36×H30 cm 2,000 boxes To transport onion mother bulb for low temperature treatment

2. Technology development and DisseminationDuring the project period, some technologies were developed and proved

applicability to the farmers. The team identified solutions to the problems faced during the onion cultivation process in model villages and practiced these with the cooperation of farmers. In addition, the developed technologies were disseminated among the other farmers through awareness programs. The developed technologies in the course of developing model villages are soil fertility improvement technology, low temperature treatment for mother bulbs, simple seed germination test for onion seeds and post-harvest technology.

3. Soil fertility improvement The nutrient requirement of onion crop is fairly high compared to other short

duration crops. Onion crop does not grow well when the soil fertility is a poor. Also, it needs well drained soil for healthy crop development. The suitable soil organic matter content for onion cultivation is 2.5% - 3.5% as experienced in Korea. The mother bulbs cultivated in model villages showed a poor growth and damaged by anthracnose disease in 2015. Therefore, in 2016, compost and rice husks were incorporated into the rain shelter soils and the disinfection were done by solar heat using vinyl mulching (solarization). We observed a good onion growth and increase of soil organic matter content in both villages in Galenbindunuwewa and Hambatota (Fig. 4). It is understood that soil improvement is possible by adding and mixing of compost and rice husk into soil and disinfection is possible covering soil using vinyl cover and solar thermal heating for one month.

As a result, we expected to suppress the soil disease occurrence and the weed control. Even organic matter content is satisfied in the soil, still need to apply organic matter continuously for each crop. In addition to the above, organic matter application will

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positively affect water retention, drainage, water availability and controlling temperature etc. Based on our past experience, we tested soil organic matter in new onion model farms areas in 2017 and observed less than 2% organic matter content in 19% of Bulnewa fields and 39% of Galenbindunuwewa fields (Fig. 3, 4, 5). Therefore, we are planning to apply compost and rice husk to those fields and solar disinfection in 2017/18 Maha season.

Fig 3. Effect of compost application on soil organic matter at Galenbindunuwewa and Hambantota in 2016

Fig. 4. Distribution of soil organic matter at Bulnewa in 2017(n=48)

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Fig. 5. Distribution of soil organic matter at Galenbindunuwewa in 2017 (n=38)

4. Low temperature treatment for mother bulbs For vernalization of onion mother bulbs, it is needed to keep them in low

temperatue for 15 days before planting, which improve uniform blooming and increase seed yield. This factor was studied and compared the growth characteristics and the amount of seeds of the seedlings treated with low- temperature treatment for 15 days before planting. The control group, which kept under a room temperature condition, showed a delayed flowering period about one month as compared with vernalizationed group (Fig. 6). The seed weight of low temperature treated bulbs was 6.8g/plant and the untreated treatment seed weight was 4.6g/ plant. The seed weight of bulbs stored under room temperature was reduced by 40%, as compared with the low temperature treated bulbs (Fig. 7). Therefore, low temperature treatment can be recommended for mother bulbs before cultivation for onion seed production.

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Fig.6. Effect of low temperature treatment (vernalization) on onion mother bulbs. Planted the bulbs at Galenbindunuwewa field December 9th in 2016

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Fig 7. Effect of mother bulbs vernalization on onion seed yield in 2017

5. Simple method for testing seed germination Onion seed quality control is another important aspect in onion cultivation

technology package. Germination rate is the most important factor, considering seed quality of any crop. Seed germination rate is influenced by postharvest management, storage method and period. Some farmer’s onion seed lots were rejected due to poor germination. Therefore, it is very important to control the quality of seeds at the farm house. We have developed a simple method to test onion seed germination, which can be used to test germination rate by farmers themselves. In this method, germination test can be carried out at room temperature under two different conditions using the materials such as paper plates, plastic bags and tissue paper which can be easily obtained from local markets. The result of an experiment conducted showed that no difference in germination rate irrespectively on type of germination container (Fig. 8).

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Petri dish(Control) Dish Ⅰ Dish Ⅱ

Fig. 8. Evaluation of testing methods of seed germination using materials available in the markets

6. Post-harvest technology Many farmers harvest onion crop before the rainy season, in order to avoid

damages from unexpected rains. In general that onions have 40%-50% green leaves. Because of that moisture content in onion at harvesting is higher than 90%. Generally, after harvesting farmers allow onion plants to dry in the field for few hours till evening and keep in shade for a few days with leaves, then remove leaf stem and bring bulbs for

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storage. However, when the weather is bad or the storage facilities are insufficient, the stem is cut off immediately after harvesting and bulbs are store without fully drying. Because of that quality of bulb became poor and post-harvest losses became high with time.

Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the changes of the bulb weight with leaves and without leaves after harvesting and the degree of that bulbs decayed during storage. The results showed that the weight of bulbs with leaves and the bulbs without leaves were 65.1g and 56.5g respectively (Fig. 9). The rate of decayed bulb in the bulbs with leaves and the bulbs without leaves were 3.5% and 17.3% respectively (Fig. 10). Therefore weight of bulbs without leaves reduced to 13% compared to that with leaves. Cut leaf stalk results in insufficient transmission of food reserves from leaves to the bulb, resulting in less bulb weight leading reduced total bulb yields. The rate of rotten bulbs without leaves was 5 times higher than bulbs with leaves (Fig. 11). Leaf stalk cutting at when leaves are less dried, may cause scarring at the cutting site, resulting in a high degree of bulb rot during storage. Therefore, after harvesting, it should be kept onion bulbs with leaves until fully dry and then leaves should be removed. This will make the higher bulb yield and reduce post-harvest losses at storage.

Fig. 9. Comparison of bulbs weight (g) with and without leaves after harvest (39DAH)

Fig. 10. Comparison of rate of bulb rotten with and without leaves after harvest (39DAH)

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Keeping harvested onion in poly house for Removing upper sheath of drying with leaves onion only

Slow drying (left) Effect of removing High bacterial infection (left)onion leaves after harvest

Fig. 11. Symptoms of bacterial infection bulbs due to removal of leaves just after harvest (surveyed at 39DAH)

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7. Technology Dissemination

The project has arranged a number of group trainings for farmers and extension officers on onion cultivation technology. A number of Korean experts visited to Sri Lanka, during the project period of 2015 to 2017. They got opportunities to conduct 55 training sessions and educated 2,024 farmers on onion cultivation and seed production technology. In addition, Rural Development Administration (RDA) organized a group training programs in Korea, especially for the selected farmers from model villages in each year. A total of 65 participants visited Republic of Korea and had an opportunity to observe Korean onion cultivation technology. Also, 10 Korean onion experts visited and share their knowledge with the project (Table 5). Dr. Lee Jeong-Gwan, resident Korean onion expert, has been playing a leading role in fostering onion seed production demonstration villages near by the demonstration village during the last three years (2015 to 2017).

Table 5. The summery of technical training programs conducted for farmers

Year No. of training No. of trained farmers

Group training in Korea

Experts visit in Sri Lanka

2015 4 80 33 6

2016 36 837 16 2

2017 15 1,107 16 2

Total 55 2,024 65 10

In addition to the above, the project conducted frequent field visits for each model village sites, field reviews (6 times), conferences, publications and promotion. There was a donation ceremony of the rain shelter materials, which was attended by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and the Korean Ambassador at Galenbindunuwewa model village in 2017. Four symposiums were held to commemorate the launching ceremony and closing ceremony of the onion seed production project. KOPIA project published

Dr. Lee Jeong-Gwan Onion expert

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5 books including onion cultivation and cultivation tips to make it easier to understand onion seed production technology for beginners. There were about 32 news items through newspapers and radio in order to spread the onion project information to other farmers (Table 6).

Table 6. The details of public awareness activities

Year Number of Field reviews Conferences Publications Promotion

2015 1 1 2 12

2016 2 1 1 4

2017 2 2 2 16

Total 5 4 5 32

8. Future planWe have developed a foundation for the establishment of ‘onion seed production

model villages’ during 2015 to 2017 by supplying necessary facilities, agricultural materials and developing & disseminating technologies. Onion seed production process consists with two types of cultivation circles and need longer time. This process includes mother bulb production and seed production. Growth of onion crops is depend on the climate, soil fertility and pest and disease damage. Continuous technical support is needed to model villages until the cultivation technology is stabilized. Therefore, the KOPIA center planed to provide technical support for the next 3 years too. KOPIA will organize a technical support T/F team with consultation of Field Crops Research Development Institute (FCRDI). Possibilities are there to invite onion experts from Korea to depending on field complications during main cultivation season.

Secondly, we will select and operate a demonstration field from model villages to evaluate the recommend technologies under the project. This field will be managed as a representative onion farmer in model villages. Organized farmers and develop model village for onion and onion seed production introducing new technology.

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Thirdly, we will be continuously disseminated developed technology and monitoring, in order to improve the efficiency of onion cultivation. We will keep on focusing soil fertility improvement, pest and disease control, cross-pollination method and ventilation facility of rain shelter etc.

Damage due to excess water Anthracnose damage

Cross pollination Ventury rainshelter Fig.12. Technologies that need improvement at onion model villages in the future

CONCLUSIONModel village concept could be successfully adapted in Sri Lanka for onion seed

production. Farmers unity for collective activities, efficiency, income, living stranded and technology dissemination could be upgraded while developing onion sector by reducing imports and saving foreign exchange.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe authors gratefully acknowledge with appreciation the encouragements given

and help us numerous ways during the process of establishing onion seed production model villages, We highly valued Dr. R.R.A. Wijekoon Director General of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Dr. W.M.W. Weerakoon, Additional Secretary(Development), Ministry of Agriculture, and Mr. W.A.K. Karunathilaka, Director, Field Crops Research & Development Institute to supported all steps from the beginning of making the project plan. Special thanks to Dr. Jang Byoung-Choon, former Director of KOPIA Centre, who initiated this model village project in year 2015. Also thanks to Ms. M.G.S.P. Pathirana (ADA-Research) and Mr. B.I. Hettiarachchi (ADA-Research), Onion Breeding Division, Field Crops Research & Development Institute for giving support to build onion seed model villages and farmers training program with us. We also thanks to officers in Agriculture extension division, Mr. R.H.U. Gunawardana (DD-Development) & Mr. T.H.N. Sudarshana (ADA-Development), Mr. G.A.P. Samaranayake (DD-Development) and Ms. G.S.K. Samarasingha (ADA-Development) from Anuradhapura, Mr. Nuwan (Field Assistant,, Bulnewa) and Mr A. Srirangan (DPD, Mannar) from Mannar, who helped us during technology dissemination and onion seed production activities with their field officers.

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ACHIEVEMENTS, PRESENT STATUS AND EXPECTED OUTPUT OF ONION CROP IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME UNDER

KOPIA PROJECT

M.G.S.P. PATHIRANA1, J.S.M.D.L. WIJERATNE1, M.R.C. PERERA1, M.I. WICKRAMASINGHE1, W.M.W. WEERAKOON2 AND IN HU CHOI3

1Field Crops Research and Development Institute. Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka2 Ministry of Agriculture, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka

3KOPIA Sri Lanka Centre, Gannoruwa, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT

KOPIA project - Seed Multiplication and Cropping Technology Development for Onion Varieties of Sri Lanka was initiated in 2014. The project provided financial support to conduct research on onion, donated machineries for field activities, provided rain shelters and onion germplasm to conduct onion crop improvement programme at FCRDI. Fourteen exotic big onion germplsm were evaluated and observed that Bombay red performed well under local conditions. Seventeen cluster onion accessions/ lines were evaluated during Maha 2016/17 and Yala 2017. MIJA selection, MICLO 09-01 Rose and AW-selection performed well during the Maha season and MICLO 09-01 Rose, AJ selection and MIJA selection performed well during the Yala season. These cluster onion genotypes produced large sets which can be introduced to substitute big onion during off-season. Out of 14 tested local big onion lines, MIBO -12-2, MIBO-H-12-7, MIBO-H-12-8, MIBO-H-12-9 and MIBO-H-12-13 were selected for National Coordinated Varietal Trials (TCVT) as they had higher yield and matured within 79-90 days after transplanting. Big onion and cluster onion genomes were incorporated together through conventional hybridization and developed 24 onion families which are at present in F3 generation. These crop improvement activities will be continued using accepted testing procedure with the aim of releasing new varieties in the future. Key words: Bulb yield, KOPIA project, Line evaluation, Onion lines

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INTRODUCTION

Big onion (Allium cepa L. common onion) is a main cash crop grown in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, especially in Matale, Anuradhapura and Mahaweli H areas. In 2015, cultivated extent and production of big onion in Sri Lanka were 5,618 ha and 89,323 tons respectively (Ag Stat, 2016) and this production was about 30% of the domestic annual requirement which is accounted as 295,000 tons. Therefore, 210,253 tons of big onion had to be imported expending Rs.Mn 11,619 to meet the national demand in 2015. The local big onion production and extent were not stable during past years due to various reasons such as use of poor quality seeds, lack of good varieties, unexpected extreme weather conditions, diseases such as anthracnose, purple blotch and bulb rot, difficulties in weed management, lack of knowledge of farmers on appropriate crop management practices and unsatisfied market price.

Big onion was introduced to Sri Lanka in early 1960’s for research purpose for both bulb and seed production (Regulathy, 1964). Jayampathi (1984) Mettananda (1987) and Kuruppuarachchi (1992) reported that Indian variety Poona red was recommended for commercial cultivation during early 1980’s. After the introduction of big onion to Sri Lanka, cluster onion production decreased as consumers’ preference changed towards big onion. However, the local production is inadequate as the local big onion cultivation is limited only to relatively dryer Yala season and present local production is sufficient only for 4 months. Therefore, in 2015, 70% of big onion requirement was fulfilled by importation. The average yield of big onion in Sri Lanka is about 14-16 t/ha. Use of high yielding varieties is a key factor to increase the productivity. Currently, Dambulla selection and MIBO 1 (conditionally released) are the recommended big onion varieties released for cultivation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop high yielding varieties with longer storability, resistance/tolerance to major pests and diseases and suitable for true seed production. Lack of germplasm is the main constraint for conducting effective crop improvement programme for big onion.

On the other hand, increasing availability of cluster onion at a reasonable price in the local market is a good alternative to cut down the importation of big onion during off-

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season as cluster onion can be cultivated both Yala and Maha seasons, and throughout the year in some specific areas like Kalpitiya. Tropical and subtropical shallots are tolerant to hot and humid tropical climate, have better tolerance to pests and diseases and longer storage life than standard short-day onions (Rabinowitch and Kamenetsky, 2002). Set size of available shallot cultivars are very small and currently it is a barrier to substitute big onion. Therefore, it is very important to introduce large set size varieties to substitute big onion during off - season. Incorporation of desirable traits of both big onion and cluster onion types together is very important to develop most adaptable varieties in the future.

KOPIA project on Seed Multiplication and Cropping Technology Development for onion Varieties of Sri Lanka was initiated in 2014. The project comprised of two main components; producing quality onion seeds at farmer fields and developing production technologies and varieties at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama. In 2014, the project helped to develop one model farm for onion seed production at a selected farmer field in Ganthiriyagama village in Anuradhapura District. Upon the success of this model farm, the project was revised in 2015 for developing three onion seed production model villages to increase the quality onion seed production in Sri Lanka. At present, four KOPIA onion seed production model villages have been developed in 4ha of lands covered with rain shelters with 127 selected farmer fields in Anurdhapura, Hambantota and Mannar Districts and weli system H. Model village development was collaborated by Inter-province Agriculture Office, Anuradhapura and Hambantota, Provincial Department of Agriculture/ Northern Province and Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority, System H. Infrastructure facilities required for onion seed production; rain shelters, drip irrigation facilities and store houses were installed in each village. Machineries, farming tools and other inputs were provided to farmers by the project through KOPIA Sri Lanka Centre. All technical and construction supports were given by FCRDI, Mahailluppallama. Meanwhile, research activities for technology and varietal development were carried out at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama. KOPIA project supported to mechanize research field activities by donating bed propagators, drainage channel preparator, polythene mulcher and threshers. They provided the technical support and required materials for construction of rain shelters in research fields. In addition, KOPIA project assisted in conducting

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onion research activities providing financial assistance and germplasm. Onion crop improvement activities were carried out at FCRDI under the KOPIA project to develop high yielding adaptable new onion varieties with other desirable traits for achieving the project objective of increasing local onion production in near future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiment 1 . Evaluation of exotic germplasm under local conditionsFourteen exotic big onion varieties (Table 1) including 7 Korean varieties were

evaluated along with the check variety Dambulla selection during the Yala 2014 at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama to observe their performance under local conditions to select better germplasm for crop improvement programme.

Table 1. Tested exotic varieties and source of seed received

Exotic variety Source of seed received

Red Creole PlantChem seed company

Red King PlantChem seed company

Bacoli PlantChem seed company

Espresso PlantChem seed company

Soprano PlantChem seed company

Korean variety 1 KOICA project

Korean variety 2 KOICA project

Guemdaegowoang KOICA project

Chunjudae go KOICA project

This KOICA project

Nongwoodae go KOICA project

Mammoth KOICA project

TaxasGrano KOICA project

Bombay red Market

25


Seedlings were established at the spacing of 10cm x 10 cm on planting beds having the length of 2 m and the width of 1 m. The treatments were arranged in RCBD with 3 replicates. Nursery management, fertilizer application and other agronomic practices were done according to the DOA recommendations. Yield and some agronomic characters were observed.

Experiment 2. Evaluation of cluster onion accessions/ lines for maturity, bulb yield and yield related characters

The experiments were conducted during Maha 2016/17 and Yala 2017 at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama to evaluate 17 cluster onion accessions along with popular cultivars Jaffna local, Vethalan and variety Thinnaveli red for their yield and other important traits. Jaffna local and Thinnaveli red were check varieties for short duration cluster onion lines while Vethalan was the check variety for medium to long duration lines. Experiment was designed as RCBD with 3 replicates. Planting beds were prepared using bed preparator which was donated by KOPIA project. Bed size was 0.6 m in width and 3m in length. Planting holes were made manually in black polythene mulch in 10cmX 10cm spacing and applied on planting beds to control weeds. Sets were used as planting materials. Surface irrigation was done during Maha 2016/17. Drip irrigation and fertigation through drip irrigation system were done during Yala 2017. All management practices were done according to the recommendations of Department of Agriculture.

Experiment 3. Evaluation of big onion lines for bulb yield and other desir-able traits

Big onion lines MIBO- 12- 1, MIBO-12- 2, MIBO -12- 3, MIBO- H- 12- 4, MIBO – H-12- 5, MIBO – H-12- 6, MIBO- H- 12- 7, MIBO – H-12- 8, MIBO – H-12- 9, MIBO – H-12- 10, MIBO – H-12- 12, MIBO – H-12- 13, Gulmohar selection and MIBO 11-13 were evaluated along with the recommended variety Dambulla selection and MIBO 1 for their yield and maturity during Yala 2014, Yala 2015 and Yala 2016 at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama.

26


Experiment was designed as a RCBD with 3 replicates. Variety Dambulla selection was used as the check variety for the experiment. Plot size was 3 m x 1 m. Irrigation and fertigation were done through a drip irrigation system. In 2016, paddy straw mulch was applied to control weeds. All crop management practices were done according to the DOA recommendations. Yield and maturity data were recorded. Yield was calculated after processing the harvest. (Considering 88% of land covered by the crop due to drip irrigation facilities).

Yield (t/ha) = Plot yield (weight of processed bulb) (kg) X 8,000 (m2) Plot size (m2) X 1000Experiment 4. Hybridization, selection and generation advancement

Big onion and cluster onion genotypes were used for the crossing programme. Following crosses were done at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama.

In Maha 2014/15, the following crosses were done between big onion and cluster onion genotypesMIBO 1 // MIClO -09-01 RoseMIClO-09-01// Dambulla selectionMIBO -12-9 // MIClO -10-03MIClO -10-03// MIClO -09-01 RoseMIBO -12-9 // MIClO -09-01 RoseMIBO -12-9 // MIClO -11-04

F1 seeds were collected separately and they were sown in nurseries. Seedlings were transplanted at the age of 40 days during Yala 2015. F1 bulbs were harvested. Those bulbs were vernalized and planted during Maha 2015/16 to produce F2 seeds. F2 seeds were sown in nurseries and transplanted during Yala 2016. Twenty four families were selected based on the size of set, number. of sets per plant, colour and shape. Sets of each family were vernalized and planted for advancement. Off types were removed and allowed open pollination within the family. Each family was covered with nets to avoid cross pollination among families. F3 seeds of each family was collected. F3 bulbs were produced during Yala 2017. Off types were removed considering maturity, number of sets

27


per cluster, shape of sets, set size and colour. F3 sets were stored for further advancement during Maha 2017/18.

In Maha, 2015/16 big onion lines were crossed with another set of big onion linesMIBO -15-01 // MIBO - 12-09MIBO -15-01 // Dambulla selectionRed ball // Dambulla selectionRed creole // Dambulla selection

F1 seeds of each cross was collected at the end of Maha 2015/16 season. F1 seeds were sown in nurseries and transplanted during Yala 2016 to produce F1 bulbs. F1bulbs were vernalized and planted during Maha 2016/2017 to produce F2 seeds. F2 seeds were sown in nurseries and produced F2 bulbs during Yala 2017. Extreme temperature conditions prevailed during the nursery period and severe weed problem during Yala 2016 negatively affected to maintain population size of each generation. Therefore, selection was not done in F2 generation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Experiment 1. Evaluation of exotic germplasm under local conditionsAll exotic varieties except Bombay red produced lower bulb yield than that of

Dambulla selection. Confirming the findings of Mettananda (1987), yield of Bombay red (34.1 t/ha) was similar to yield of Dambulla selection (36.7 t/ha). Red king (sample 2) and Taxasgrano produced second highest bulb yield. Red king (sample 1), Espresso, Bacoli and Soprano produced lower bulb yields (Table 2). Three Korean varieties; Chunjudaego, Mammoth and Guemdae go woang did not produce bulbs at all. Other 4 Korean varieties produced very few bulbs. Their recorded yields were between 1.5 -11.5 t/ha because of the adaptability of those exotic varieties for long day conditions. They didn't performed well under Sri Lankan conditions. Brewester (1994) explained that long-day varieties growing at near equatorial latitudes does not produce bulbs at all. Taxasgrano, Espresso, Bacoli and all Korean varieties had yellow colour bulbs. Other exotic varieties produced red colour bulbs (Table 3).

28


Table 2. Yield and bulb colour of eight exotic varieties during Yala 2014

Exotic variety Average Yield (t/ha)

Bulb colour

Dambulla selection 36.7 a Red paleBombay red 34.1ab Dark redRed king (sample 2) 31.4b RedTaxasgrano 31.6b YellowRed king (sample 1) 24.6c RedEspresso 20.7cd YellowRed creole -1 20.3 cd RedBacoli 19.7d YellowSoprano 16.4d RedCV% 10.0

Figures in columns followed by the same letters in superscript are not significantly different at p = 0.05

Table 3. Yield and bulb colour of 7 Korean varieties during Yala 2014

Exotic variety Average Yield (t/ha) Bulb colour

Chunjudaego 0.0 Yellow

This 8.6 Yellow

Nongwoodae go 1.6 Yellow

Mammoth 0.0 Yellow

Guemdae go woang 0.0 Yellow

Korean variety 01 11.5 Yellow

Korean variety 02 1.5 Yellow

29


Experiment 2. Evaluation of cluster onion accessions/ lines for maturity, bulb yield and yield related characters

In Maha 2016/17, cluster onion genotypes; Jaffna local, Moragollagama sel., Thinnaveli red, MICLO 10-05, Ganthiriyagama selection, AW selection., MICLO 10-02, Rambawa white, Acc 11 and MICLO 2011-03-42 reached to 50% neck folding (physiological maturity) within 71-74 days after set planting. All other genotypes except MICLO 09-01 Rose, matured within 75-79 days after set planting while MICLO 09-01 Rose took 79-86 days to maturity in that season. There were significant differences on yield, number of sets per cluster, weight of single cluster, polar diameter and equatorial diameter of tested cluster onion accessions. MIJA selection gave the highest yield (23.2 t/ha).Yields of Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red, MICLO 09-01 Rose, Ganthiriyagama selection, AW selection, Rambawa white, Acc 09-E and Acc 09-R were not significantly different from MIJA selection. MICLO 11-04 and MICLO 10-05 produced lower yield to Vethalan where as other genotypes recorded same yield to Vethalan. Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red and MICLO 2011-03-42 recorded higher number of sets per cluster (11-14 sets/cluster) followed by MICLO 10-05 while others were not significantly different from Vethalan. Although, cluster onion genotypes; Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red, MICLO 10-05 and MICLO 2011-03-42 had more number of sets, their single cluster weight was very low (38-41g). MIJA selection, Acc 09- R and AJ selection produced heavier clusters (49-51 g/cluster) with smaller number of sets (8-9). MICLO 09-01 Rose and AW selection produced larger sets recording higher values for polar diameter and equatorial diameter. All other produced comparatively smaller sets. Owing to acceptable yield and larger set size, MICLO 09-01 Rose and AW selection can substitute big onion during off- season (Table 4).

In Yala 2017, all genotypes matured earlier than Maha 2016/17. Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red, MICLO 10-05 were ultra-shortage genotypes which matured within47-49 days after set planting. Ganthiriyagama selection, AW selection and MICLO 10- 02 reached to maturity within 52-58 days after planting. All other genotypes took 59-68 days to mature. Yield, number of sets per cluster, polar diameter and equatorial diameter and weight of single cluster were significantly different

30


among tested cluster onion genotypes. The highest yield (33.2 t/ha) was recorded from MICLO 09-01 Rose followed by AJ selection (30.2 t/ha). Yield of MIJA selection and AJ selection were not significantly different from MICLO 09-01 Rose. Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red, MICLO 10-05, MICLO NO. 05-01 and Rambawa white produced a very low yields (13.5-17 t/ha) whereas all other lines gave similar yields to Vethalan (Table 4). Ultra-shortage genotypes recorded 8 numbers of sets per cluster whereas all other genotypes produced similar number of sets per cluster to Vethalan (4-6 sets/ cluster). The heaviest clusters were recorded by MICLO 09-01 Rose (45 g/cluster).Weight of single cluster of MIJA selection, MICLO 10-02, MICLO 09-01 Rose and AJ selection were similar to Vethalan. Jaffna local, Moragollagama selection, Thinnaveli red, MICLO 10-05, Ganthiriyagama selection, AW selection, MICLO 09-01 white and Rambawa white had lighter clusters. In terms of polar diameter and equatorial diameter, MICLO 09-01 Rose and MIJA selection produced larger sets. These could be introduced to the Yala season to substitute big onion as cluster onion are more tolerant to unexpected rainy conditions than big onion during Yala season which experienced over the past years.

As these genotypes had large sets and produced flowers, they could be used for incorporating desirable genes from cluster onions to big onion through a back cross breeding programme to develop big onion varieties with more tolerant to unexpected rainy conditions which were experienced over past Yala seasons.

31


Tabl

e 4a

. M

atur

ity, y

ield

and

yie

ld r

elat

ed c

hara

cter

s of 1

7 cl

uste

r on

ion

acce

ssio

ns/ l

ines

dur

ing

Mah

a 20

16/1

7

Oni

on li

ne/ C

ultiv

ar

Day

s to

mat

urity

Y

ield

(t

/ha

)N

o. o

f set

s/cl

uste

rsi

ngle

clu

ster

w

eigh

t (g)

pola

r di

amet

er

(mm

)eq

uato

rial

dia

met

er

(mm

)

Jaffn

a lo

cal

7122

.0ab

c13

ab38

d29

fgh

18f

Mor

agol

laga

ma

sel.

72-7

321

.7ab

c14

a41

bcd

28h

19ef

Thin

nave

li re

d71

-72

20.4

abcd

13ab

39cd

30cd

e19

efM

ICLO

10-

0572

15.2

g11

bc38

d30

cde

20cd

eG

anth

iriya

gam

a se

l.72

19.3

bcde

9def

45ab

cd30

cde

23ab

AW se

lect

ion

7222

.3ab

6fg

41bc

d36

a24

aM

ICLO

10-

0272

-73

17.5

defg

7efg

37d

31cd

22ab

cR

amba

wa

Whi

te72

-74

20.1

abcd

e6f

g38

d28

h20

cde

Acc

11

73-7

418

.1cd

efg

7efg

43ab

cd32

bc23

abM

ICLO

201

1-03

-42

72-7

419

.6bc

de13

ab44

abcd

29fg

h21

abcd

MIC

LO 2

013

B75

19.0

bcd

efg

10cd

44ab

cd30

cde

22ab

cM

ICLO

09-

01 W

hite

75-7

816

.4ef

g7e

fg35

d31

cd21

abcd

MI J

A se

lect

ion

74-7

523

.2a

9def

49ab

c31

cd23

abM

ICLO

09-

01 R

ose

79-8

620

.5ab

cde

7efg

40bc

d35

ab24

aA

cc 0

9- E

7520

.3ab

cd8d

efg

41bc

d32

bc23

abA

cc 0

9- R

74-7

622

.0ab

c8d

efg

50ab

31cd

23ab

MIC

LO 1

1-04

77-7

915

.2fg

6fg

30bc

d33

bc23

abM

ICLO

NO

. 05

-01

7518

.4bc

defg

9def

41bc

d32

bc22

abc

Veth

alan

75-7

619

.1bc

de7e

fg41

bcd

31cd

22ab

cA

J sel

ectio

n76

-79

17.4

defg

8def

g51

a32

bc22

abc

CV

%19

.112

.314

.94.

05.

6

Figu

res i

n co

lum

ns fo

llow

ed b

y th

e sa

me

lette

rs a

re n

ot si

gnifi

cant

ly d

iffer

ent a

t P=0

.05.

32


Tabl

e 4b

. M

atur

ity, y

ield

and

yie

ld r

elat

ed c

hara

cter

s of 1

7 cl

uste

r on

ion

acce

ssio

ns/ l

ines

dur

ing

Yala

201

7

Oni

on li

ne /

C

ultiv

arD

ays t

o m

atur

ity

Yie

ld

( t/h

a)

No

of se

ts/

clus

ter

Sing

le c

lust

er

wei

ght (

g)po

lar

diam

eter

(mm

)E

quat

oria

l D

iam

eter

(mm

)

Jaffn

a lo

cal

48-4

917

.0ef

gh8a

21.9

f29

d20

cde

Mor

agol

laga

ma

sel.

47-4

916

.0gh

8a22

.8f

29d

19de

Thin

nave

li re

d47

-49

15.4

h8a

23.9

f29

d19

deM

ICLO

10-

0548

-49

13.5

h8a

22.1

f28

d18

eG

anth

iriya

gam

a se

l.52

-54

18.3

defg

h6b

24.6

f33

bcd

21bc

deAW

sele

ctio

n53

-56

21.5

cdef

gh4c

d26

.1ef

34bc

d22

bcd

MIC

LO 1

0-02

54-5

824

.5bc

de6b

39.1

abc

30cd

23ab

cR

amba

wa

Whi

te55

-59

16.1

fgh

5bc

24.3

f30

cd23

abc

Acc

11

59-6

320

.2cd

efgh

4cd

34.7

bcde

31cd

24ab

MIC

LO 2

011-

03-4

259

-63

17.7

defg

h5b

c30

.3cd

ef30

cd26

aM

ICLO

201

3 B

59-6

124

.0bc

def

6b34

bcde

32bc

d23

abc

MIC

LO 0

9-01

Whi

te59

-63

23.4

bcd

efg

4cd

30de

f33

bcd

23ab

cM

I JA

sele

ctio

n59

-65

27.6

abc

6b41

ab33

bcd

24ab

MIC

LO 0

9-01

Ros

e59

-66

33.2

a4c

d45

a37

a25

abA

cc 0

9- E

62-6

621

.4cd

efgh

5bc

33.5

bcde

32bc

d23

abc

Acc

09-

R65

23.4

bcd

efg

5bc

33.7

bcd

e34

bc23

abc

MIC

LO 1

1-04

63-6

524

.6 b

cde

4cd

40.9

ab31

cd25

abM

ICLO

NO

. 05

-01

63-6

714

.3h

4cd

27.9

ef31

cd22

bcd

Veth

alan

61-6

525

.3bc

d5b

c38

abc

29d

23ab

cA

J sel

ectio

n63

-68

30.2

ab5b

c41

ab38

a24

ab

CV

%10

.415

.512

.78.

78.

5

Figu

res i

n co

lum

ns fo

llow

ed b

y th

e sa

me

lette

rs a

re n

ot si

gnifi

cant

ly d

iffer

ent a

t P=0

.05.

33


Experiment 3. Evaluation of big onion lines for bulb yield and other desirable traits

Table 5. Yield and maturity of breeding lines during Yala 2014, 2015 and 2016

Days to 50% neck falling

Yield (t/ha)2014 2015 2016

MIBO- 12- 1 96 35. 2 ab - 27.6 abMIBO-12- 2 89 39.4 a 19.6abcd 35.5 a

MIBO -12- 3 96 25.3 dc 18.1bcd 22.5 bc

MIBO- H- 12- 4 68 20.3 d 15.6d 17.4 c

MIBO – H-12- 5 95 33.7 ab 21.9abc 22.0 bc

MIBO – H-12- 6 78 30.2 bc 18.7abcd 29.7 ab

MIBO- H- 12- 7 90 40.5 a 24.1a 36.9 a MIBO – H-12- 8 89 39.5 a 23.4ab 34.7 a MIBO – H-12- 9 79 39.5 a 23.2ab 34.7 a

MIBO – H-12- 10 78 34.3 ab 21.0abc 31.6 ab

MIBO – H-12- 12 89 34.4 ab - 20.8 bc

MIBO – H-12- 13 84 37.5 a 21.2abc 31.8 ab

MIBO 1 (Std. check) 80 36.1 ab 22.6abc 29.8 ab

Dambulla se (Std. check) 90 34.5 ab 21.1abc 27.9 ab

Gulmoharselection 95 24.8 dc - - MIBO 11-13 90 35.9 ab - - CV % 10.8 13.6 12.3

Figures in columns followed by the same letters in superscript are not significantly different at P=0.05.

MIBO-12-2, MIBO-H-12-7, MIBO-H-12-8, MIBO-H-12-9 and MIBO-H-12-13 produced higher yield during 2014. MIBO-12-3, MIBO-H-12-4, MIBO-H-12-6 and Gulmohar selection produced lower yields than that of recommended varieties. In 2015, the yield of all lines were very poor in comparison to Yala 2014 due to severe weed infestation. All tested lines except MIBO -12-3 and MIBO-H-12-4 gave similar yields to check varieties during 2015. MIBO-12-3, MIBO-H-12-4 and MIBO – H-12-5 produced lower yield during Yala 2016. Yields of all other tested lines were not significantly different.

34


Lower yield of MIBO-H-12-4 may be due to its early maturity (within 68 days after transplanting). MIBO-H-12-6, MIBO-H-12-9, MIBO-H-12-10 and MIBO 1 matured within 78-80 days after transplanting. MIBO-12- 2, MIBO– H-12- 8, MIBO – H-12- 12, MIBO – H-12-13, MIBO-H-12-7and Dambulla selection reached to maturity within 84-90 days after transplanting. MIBO-12-1, MIBO -12-3, MIBO – H-12-5 and Gulmohar selection matured within 95-96 days after transplanting.

Based on yield and maturity, out of 14 lines, 5 lines (MIBO-12-2, MIBO-H-12-7, MIBO-H-12-8, MIBO-H-12-9 and MIBO-H-12-13) were selected for further evaluation in National Coordinated Varietal Trials (NCVT) (Table 5).

CONCLUSIONS

All tested Korean varieties were long day varieties which were not adaptable to the day length during Yala season. Except Bombay red, all other exotic varieties were not superior to local big onion variety Dambulla selection. Therefore, Bombay Red was recommended for local cultivation and is used for future crop improvement programme.

Based on the results of the experiment evaluation of cluster onion accessions/ lines for maturity, bulb yield and yield related characters, MIJA selection and MICLO 09-01 Rose can be introduced to both Yala and Maha seasons cultivation because of their high yield and large sets. AW- selection can be introduced to only for the Maha season and AJ selection can be introduced only for the Yala season cultivation because of their seasonal specific performances. Cultivation of these genotypes would increase the local cluster onion production and substitute big onion during off- season in the future. As these genotypes have flowering ability, they could be used in the future to develop new onion varieties having more desirable traits.

Locally developed big onion lines; MIBO-12-2, MIBO-H-12-7, MIBO-H-12-8, MIBO-H-12-9 and MIBO-H-12-13 recorded higher yields and they matured within 79-90 days after transplanting. Based on maturity and yield, they were selected for National

35


Coordinated Varietal Trials (NCVT). MIBO-H-12-4 can be used as parent for developing early maturity varieties in the future.

With incorporating big onion and cluster onion genomes together, 24 onion families were developed. At present, they are in F3 generation. During Maha 2017/18, these families will be advanced to next generation. Visually uniform families will be evaluated for yield and maturity and other important traits in the future.

EXPECTED OUTPUT OF ONION CROP IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME UNDER KOPIA PROJECT

Crop improvement activities conducted under the KOPIA project will be continued for developing new onion variety/ varieties. National Coordinated Varietal Trials will be carried out for 5 big onion lines MIBO-12-2, MIBO-H-12-7, MIBO-H-12-8, MIBO-H-12-9 and MIBO-H-12-13 during Yala 2018. Most adaptable high yielding line/s selected from National Coordinated Varietal Trials will be evaluated in VAT during Yala 2019 and 2020. Finally selected line/s will be submitted for varietal releasing committee to consider for national release. High yielding, large set size and seed setting cluster onion lines will be evaluated further for releasing as varieties. Large set size cluster onion lines developed from incorporating big onion and cluster onion genomes together will be advanced further to get visually uniform cluster onion lines. They will be evaluated in Preliminary Yield Trial (PYT) followed by Advanced Yield Trial (AYT). Selected lines will be undergone in accepted evaluation procedures (NCVT, VAT, and DUST). Meanwhile, those lines will be tested for pests and diseases under the supervision of Pathologist and Entomologist. Finally, it is expected to release high yielding, large set size seed setting cluster onion variety with more tolerant to unfavorable weather conditions. With the introduction of large set size variety for Maha season (late Maha), it is expected to reduce big onion importation in the future.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSAuthors are gratefully acknowledge Dr. Rohan Wijekoon Director General of

Agriculture for giving an opportunity to have this foreign funded project. Authors wish to thank Choi In Hu (Director), Dr. Jang Byoung Choon (former Director) and Dr. Lee

36


Jeong Gwan (Onion Expert) and the staff of KOPIA Sri Lanka Center for providing financial and other supports to conduct this project. Guidance extended by the Director and Additional Director of FCRDI are highly appreciated. Support given by Assistant Directors, subordinate staff and all others of FCRDI system to conduct the project are highly acknowledged. Authors wish to thank experts of KOPIA evaluation team for their constructive criticism to conduct the project. Authors also thanks to Mr. RHU Gunawardhana (Deputy Director) Mr. THN Sudarshan (Assistant Director of Agriculture - Development) and the staff of the Inter-province Agriculture office, Hambantota, Mr. GAPV Wimalarathne (Deputy Director), GSK Samaraweera (Assistant Director of Agriculture - Development) and the staff of the Inter-province Agriculture office, Anuradhapura, Ms. A Srirangan (Deputy Director- Mannar) and her staff and DRPM and the staff of Mahaweli system H for the support extended to establish onion seed production model villages.

REFERENCESAgStat, 2016. Pocket book of agricultural statistics. Department of Agriculture,

Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. vol. 17-22 pp

Brewester, J.L. 1994. Onions and other vegetable alliums. CAB International, UK. pp 8-75.

Jayampathi, S. 1984. Half yearly report. Yala 1984. Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture, Mahailluppallama pp.15-20.

Kuruppuarachchi, D.S.P. 1992. True seed production at Kalpitiya in the North western dry zone of Sri Lanka. Onion Newsletter for the Tropics. UK. pp 36-38

Mettananda, K.A. 1987. Research report Yala. 1987 Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture, Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka. pp. 45-46.

37


Rabinowitch, H.D. and Kamenetsky R., 2002. Shallot (Allium cepa, Aggregatum Group). In Allium Crop Science: Recent Advances, Eds H.D. Rabinowitch and L. Currah. p 409 - 430.CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK and New York, USA.

Regulaty, P.P. 1964. Half yearly research report Yala. 1964 Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Department of Agriculture, Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka. pp. 1-2.

39


DEVELOPMENT OF A TECHNICAL PACKAGE TO INCREASE ONION PRODUCTION IN SRI LANKA

B.I. Hettiarachchi1, R.A.C.J. Perera1 and G.S. K. Samaraweera2

1Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Mahailluppallama, Sri Lanka2Deputy Director of Agriculture office, Inter Province, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACTOnion (Allium cepa var. cepa) is one of main cash crops cultivated under

supplementary irrigation in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Although the bulb yield potential of the crop is 32 t/ha, an average farmer could achieve around 17t/ha due to various reasons. Most of reasons are closely related to improper cultural practices and inappropriate technologies adopted. The concept of learning from progressive people could be useful to change the attitudes of farmers. Major objective of “onion model village” concept was to make leading farming groups among onion farmers in Sri Lanka. All onion farmers of model villages and relevant officers were educated and practically trained about new innovations of onion production periodically. Required materials to practice the technology were supplied free of charge. Model village leaders, prominent farmers and government officers were exposed to new onion production technologies, systematic farming and value added product of onion by providing foreign educational tours in Republic of Korea. At the end of the project period Milagaswewa and Bedigamthota farmers had achieved the standards of the project expected through adoption of new technologies, increasing income from onion by 3-5 folds and uplifting their living standards. They also proved their capability to lead the onion farmers outside the model villages, towards success.

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INTRODUCTIONOnion is a well-known crop that had been cultivated over thousands of years in

different parts of the world. It is believed that onion was originated in Central Asia and Meditararion region. The value of the crop as a food and as a medicine was well known. The written evidence was found in Hieroglyphs (Writing on clay plate) (https://www.veniceclayartists.com/egyptian-pottery/) in pyramids in Egypt. The germicide effect of onion was well known by Egyptians and they used Garlic as the main ingredient with Pepper and Sulphur in preservative solution for Mummirization procedure. Not only in Egypt but also in various countries in Asia, onion is a major component in native medicine specially in healing the broken bones of human as well as of animals.

At present 134 countries are involved in onion production (www.yara.us/agriculture/crops/onion/key-facts/world-onion-production/) and onion is consumed as a fresh vegetable, as a cooked vegetable, as a medicine and as a condiment. Other than that many value added products such as energy drinks, wine, powder, paste and dried rings are also available in Republic of Korea and China. Onion is one of the major condiments in Sri Lankan diet used in fresh as well as cooked forms. Two types of onion, common bulbing onion (big onion or bombay onion - Allium cepa var: cepa) and cluster onion or red onion (Allium cepa var. aggrigatum) are cultivated in Sri Lanka.

Although favorable climatic conditions for onion prevail in the dry zone, the main constraint is farourable climatic condition are limited to the short season. Mostly, irrigable lands have been used in Maha for paddy and cultivate other field crops in Yala. Onion is a seasonal crop that can cultivated in Yala for bulbs and also for seeds throughout the dry zone with supplementary irrigation. However, in Maha it can be done only under controlled environment especially under rainout shelters with intensive crop management because of high severity of fungal and bacterial infections triggered by heavy rainfall. Bulb production under rain-out shelters is not profitable because of high capital cost for the structure and low productivity of onion. Therefore, onion farmers are used to practice bulb production in Yala under open environment and some farmers produce seeds in Maha under rain-out shelters.

Various factors affect productivity of the crop such as low quality planting materials, over usage of agro chemicals, over doses of fertilizers, especially N fertilizers, improper cultural practices, low soil organic matter content, soil compaction, inland

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salinity and poor post-harvest practices. Hence, the average productivity of big onion remains below the potential.

KOPIA onion model villagesThe decision for establishing onion model villages was taken in international

symposium of “onion seed production and crop husbandry” held in Colombo in December, 2014 by Department of Agriculture (DOA), Sri Lanka and Korea program on International Agriculture (KOPIA). The first onion model village was established at Milagaswewa, Galenbidunuwewa in Anuradhapura district with 24 onion farmers under the KOPIA project in 2014.

Initially, practical training was given to the selected farmers at Field Crops Research and Development Institute (FCRDI), Mahailluppallama and Milagaswewa to introduce scientific methods in onion cultivation. Nursery management, crop management techniques, pest and disease management and post-harvest practices and record keeping were covered during the training. Quality onion seeds were supplied by FCRDI to initiate the programme.

Subsequently, the programme was expanded to Hambanthota and Mannar districts. Seven farmers were selected from Karabagalmulla and Bedigamthota in Ambalanthota divisional secretariat division in Hambanthota District and 9 farmers from Oolaththuduwai, Thailan-Kudiirippu, Bastian Puram and Pudukudiirreppu in Pasalei in Manner District. Those farmers were also trained for scientific onion production. At the end of the first season, famers of all three villages were taken to field visits in Dambulla and Galewela onion cultivating areas to observe successful stories on bulb and seed production and provide opportunity to exchange their practical experiences.

In the second year (2016) of the project, new farmers were selected to the model village programme and then total number was increased up to 56 in Milagaswewa , 12 in Hambanthota and 11 in Mannar. Latest model village was established within the last year of project in 2017 with 48 farmers at Bulneewa in Mahaweli system H. The project is in operatation with 127 farmers in 04 model villages in 3 districts: Anuradhapura, Hambanthota and Mannar.

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Technical guidance for onion model villagesRequirement of an intensive technical guidance for farmers in model villages

was arisen with fungal outbreak in the bulb crop in Milagaswewa and Hambanthota in the first season. While investigating the situation we found that farmers frequently applied different type of blended formulations which contained high nitrogen, several types of insecticides and fungicides without observing any damage or symptoms. Frequent irrigation also followed without considering recommendations. After the discussion with officers of KOPIA Center, extension and research divisions of Department of Agriculture agreed to provide intensive technical support for model village farmers. First priority was given to establish rainout shelters to prevent any losses in seed crop due to fungal infection in Maha and establish onion store houses. Second priority was given to design a simple technical booklet including identification and control measures for major fungal diseases. Soil improvement programme, establishment of drip irrigation system with fertigation unit and mechanization were implemented subsequently.

Rainout shelters and Store housesMost of onion farmers follow alternative cropping systems with rice, cereals,

vegetables or tobacco. All rainout shelters locally introduced to onion farmers are expensive, large, permanent structures and can be damaged by wind. Therefore, those were not popular among onion farmers and it was essential to introduce simple, small, cheep, removable rain out shelters for model villages. The Korean model rainout shelters were established in the second season of the project for seed production and they have many advantages in comparison to Sri Lankan models (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Healthy seed crop in Korean poly-tunnels at Onion model village, Milagaswewa

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Major benefits with the Korean rainout shelters 01. Small in size - Each have 50 m2 (2.5 x 20.0 x 3.0 m in width, length and height) - Length can be managed by adding/ removing GI arches02. Simple structure - The structure is made of sequentially arranged arches of GI pipes connected each with 5 GI pipes and covered with a single UV treated polythene03. Simple construction technique - All cross bars were connected by removable springs - Canopy cover was fixed by removable wire springs04. Less labour intensive and minimum tool requirement - Two labours, one drilling machine, one Hacksaw and Crowbar are enough for construction 05. Can be constructed without a concrete base06. All the materials can be separated from each quickly without damage and ability to reuse07. Ability to construct and remove within short time period 08. Ability to stand against a 60 kmph wind speed

All raw materials and tools such as GI pipes, UV treated cladding, shade nets, joining clips, joining springs and Bending machine, Drilling machines were imported from Korea to reduce the cost. FCRDI technical assistants, selected workers and representatives of three model villages were trained under Korean technicians to do constructions of rainout shelters and store houses at Milagaswewa onion model village. After that the trainees were used to train their farmers to do the construction in relevant model villages under the supervision of FCRDI technicians and residential Korean scientists in KOPIA project. Consequently 250 m2 rainout shelters for each farmer in three model villages, 02 store houses for Milagaswewa and one for Hambanthota were constructed in the stage one.

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Technical booklet on identification and control measures of major fungal diseases of onion

Proper identification of damages of pest and symptoms of infestation of fungal or bacterial diseases and quick respond against them were very important for onion farming. A technical booklet was designed for identification of major diseases and control measures in both languages Sinhala and English with the help of pathology division of FCRDI, Mahailluppallama including more number of photographs to achieve the objectives. It was printed by KOPIA center and distributed among all farmers of four model villages and officers of DOA who are working with them (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Technical booklet of Major diseases and control measures

Soil improvement ProgrammeOnion productivity reduces with poor soils. Soil pH and organic matter content

are most important factors other than climatic factors (Photo period and Temperature) in onion production. Therefore, soil testing programme was launched by KOPIA center as one research programme of KOPIA young researcher. It was found that soil organic matter in Milagaswewa and Hambanthota ranged 1.30 -2.63% and 2.21-2.64 % respectively. In Milagaswewa 39% of farmers had low soil organic matter contents (1-2%). Subsequently a soil improvement programme was launched. in June, 2016 targeting next Maha, 2016/17 seed crop in rainout shelters. Rice straw, Partially burnt paddy husk, paddy husk and cow-dung were incorporated up to a depth of 20 cm of soil in June, 2016 and treated soils were subjected to solarization in August, 2016 to destroy harmful pathogens. After

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that legumes were cultivated in selected farms in September and October for Nitrogen fixation. After harvesting crop residues of legumes were incorporated to soil and compost were added in November to enhance soil properties for a better crop growth in December, 2016. While doing those in rainout shelters, the bulb crops were cultivated in open fields to made mother bulbs for the next seed crop. Drip irrigation units with fertigation tanks were supplied to each rainout shelter at Milagaswewa and farmers were provided with training to operate and maintain the irrigation system.

Machineries and technologiesAlthough, income from unit area is high onion cultivation is more labour intensive

in comparison to other crops. For example, 55-60 % of total lobour is required to make beds. Therefore, Korean two wheel bed preparatory machine was introduced to farmers providing practical training at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama. Self-starting, operating with Gasoline, 3600 rotatable and three height level adjustable handles, smooth and easy operating ability when making onion beds and applying polythene mulch on beds are the most preferred features by farmers.

Planting materials production and vernalizationModel village farmers should produce planting materials by themselves for the

next season according to the guidance and training given by Department of Agriculture. They were trained for selection of mother bulbs and umbels, determination of time and time period for pollination, correct pollination method, correct harvesting of mother bulb and matured umbels, processing and curing of them. Also, they were educated on the method of correct storage and ways of reducing post-harvest losses. Farmers were instructed not to use polysack bags but to use Plastic crates to transport mother bulbs to up country for vernalization to minimize physiological damages. Required plastic crates were supplied by KOPIA Center to promote this practice.

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Land preparationDeep ploughing, application of rice straw and paddy husk (1kg/m2) before

harrowing were recommended. Incorporation of partially burnt paddy husk at the rate of 0.5kg/m2/ season and compost 2.5kg/m2/ season up to 20cm depth were advisable. With this rate of partially burnt paddy husk the recommended ratio (3kg/m2 ) can be achieved within 06 growing seasons ( Hettiarachchi et al , 2015).

Planting bedsPlanting beds with 100cm width and 15cm height should be made. The length of

the beds can be increased to 5m with good field condition with the supervision of project officers.

Field establishment and mulchingLate planting should not be done as crop might be damaged by rain at the end part

of the crop. Planting time can be decided by following the rainfall pattern in respective areas and there should be a dry period at harvesting. It is advisable to maintain the DOA recommended spacing (10 cm x 10cm for the bulb crop and 20 cm x 20 cm for the seed crop). Application of straw mulch 2 weeks after planting is advisable for a better yield (Hettiarachchi et al., 2017).

Research findings on seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka under KOPIA project

Though Sri Lanka has a potential to cultivate onion to fulfill the country requirement (375,946 t in 2015), only 30-40% is locally produced (Ag Stat, 2016) and rest were imported every year to bridge the gap, spending valuable foreign exchange of Rs million 12810 in 2015 (Ag Stat, 2016; Central Bank Report, 2016). Production of onion can be increased by using better cultivation techniques to conserve soil moisture, improving soil fertility and fertilizer use efficiency.

In Sri Lanka various types of soils are being used to cultivate onion. However, soils with 6-7 pH, non-compact, retention of water and friable, fertile loam with un-excess nitrogen gives a better bulb yield (Kendaragama, 2010). In the dry zone soils, bulk density soil pH and Cation Exchange Capacity varies between 1.4 to 1.6 gcm-3, 6.0-6.4

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and 14-17 cmol/kg respectively (Dissanayake, 2010). They are rich in potassium but lack in organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus (Kendaragama, 2010). Soil erosion and unsatisfactory consistency are major constraints with this soil. Therefore, it is essential to improve soil physical properties by applying soil amendments for a better plant growth.

Two experiments were designed concerning productivity aspect of the onion crop by enhancing soil properties with partially burnt paddy husk (PBPH) as the soil amendment and conserving soil moisture by using organic mulches. Treatments were designed giving emphasis on simplicity, low cost, environmental sustainability, achievability and applicability to low income farmers. Research findings were published in Annual symposiums of Department of Agriculture (ASDA) (Hettiarachchi et al, 2015; Hettiarachchi et al, 2017).

The experiment 1 has proven that application of PBPH in 3 kg per square meter increased bulb yield in both Yala and Maha seasons by 29% and 74% respectively. PBPH should be applied to the depth of 15-20 cm to get better results. Therefore, it is advisable to apply to soil before harrowing.

The experiment 2 has shown that application of rice straw, paddy husk, partially burnt paddy husk and fresh leaves of Giliricidia as mulches gave a significant yield increment in comparison to no mulch. Rice straw is the best economical and sustainable mulch material that increased bulb yield by 31.6% in Yala and 14.8% in Maha with respect to no mulch (control).

Micro irrigation system based agronomic management packages for maximizing the onion crop productivity

The wider gap between the potential realizable yield and the average yield is one of the significant features in most of the cultivated other field crops including onion in Sri Lanka. Further, conserving of natural resources, especially the land and water, is very important in maintaining higher crop productivity in agriculture. Hence, a series of experiments were initiated to develop the best agronomic management package with the main objective of increasing the crop productivity while maintaining higher water

productivity in onion cultivation based on micro irrigation systems.

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Experiments were conducted during Yala 2015 and Yala 2016 in Rhodustalf soils in the well-drained drainage class at the Field Crops Research and Development Institute at Mahailluppallama. The onion variety, 'Dambulla Selection' was used in the study.

Results revealed that the application of inorganic fertilizer recommendation of the Department of Agriculture with the addition of organic matter at the rate of 15 t/ ha and the mulching with rice straw at the rate of 5 t/ ha can be used to increase the onion yield up to 40 t/ ha while maintaining a water application efficiency of 70 % - 80 % under the drip irrigation system. The similar agronomic management package can be used to increase the onion yields up to 30 t/ ha while maintaining a water application efficiency of 50 - 60 % under the sprinkler irrigation system. Further, an economic analysis should be done to identify the most economical combinations of inputs and their levels towards obtaining the maximum economic returns in micro irrigation system based onion cultivation prior to give recommendations.

Harvesting and post-harvest aspectsNew mother bulb harvesting techniques were practiced and recommended

for model village farmers based on research conducted at FCRDI, Mahailluppallama. It is recommended to harvest mother bulbs after complete drying of plants at field. Consequently, farmers harvest mother bulbs few times and minimize post-harvest losses. Also they make few groups of mother bulbs according to age of maturity and keep most prominent group with them to continue the cultivation.

Achievements in onion seed production with technical guidance in three years by farmers in the model village, Milagaswewa with KOPIA

The leading farmer group consisted of 4 farmers in the stage 1 of the KOPIA project on “Onion seed production and cropping technology development” at Milagaswewa. Their performance in seed production were evaluated stepwise with the application of new technology. Onion seed yields of each farmer with traditional polythene structure (PS), with introduced poly- tunnel (PT), with drip irrigation system under introduced poly-tunnel (PT+DI) and with soil improvement, drip irrigation system under introduced poly-tunnel (PT+DI+SI) were recorded during project period.

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According to the data, all farmers have reached the national average seed yield under poly-tunnel with drip irrigation. In the third year, all were achieved a remarkable seed yield under poly-tunnel with soil improvement and drip irrigation. The range was 840-1480 kg/ha (Figure 3). Four farmers (8, 15, 22, 24) achieved low yields in most of the seasons in comparison with others and need to pay more attention on them. However, the performance of 8 farmers with new technologies is 783%. This is due to poor initial seed yield (120 kg/ ha) obtained under traditional polythene structure (Figure 4).

Figure 3. Farmers’ performance in seed yields with technology adaptation during the project period 2015-2017- Milagaswewa

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Figure 4. Performance in seed yields as percentage with polythene structure and adapted technology during the project period 2015-2017- Milagaswewa

CONCLUSIONWithin three years, KOPIA onion project introduced three cultivating packages

based on irrigation systems (Surface irrigation, Drip irrigation) to increase onion bulb yield together with infrastructure facilities. If farmers will adopt those practices, our national average could be increased. Therefore, a special extension program should be launched to introduce these packages for onion farmers for a better onion industry.

REFERENCESAg Stat 2016. Socio Economic and Planning Center, Department of Agriculture, Sri

Lanka Pp 16-22.

Annual Report 2016. Central Bank of Sri Lanka,

Greenwood, D.J., Gerwitz, A., Stone, D.A. and Barnes, A. 1982. Root development in vegetable crops. Journal of Plant and Soil 68; 75-96.

Hettiarachchi, B.I., Pathirana, M.G.S.P., Jayasinghe, M.G.K.D.V., Illangasinghe, R.P., Weerakoon, W.M.W. and Jang, B.C., 2015. Effect of partially burnt paddy husk as a soil amendment for big onion (Allium cepa var cepa) in reddish brown earth

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(Rhodustalfs) soils. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture 17:277-282.

Hettiarachchi, B.I., Silva, L.C., Wickramasinghe, M.I., Pathirana, M.G.S.P.,Weerakoon, W.M.W., Choi, I.H. and Gwoan, L.J. 2017. Impact of Organic mulches on bulb yield of Big Onion (Allium cepa var. cepa) grown in reddish brown earth (Rhodustalfs) soils. Annals of the Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture 19: 163-174.

http://www.biochar-international.org

https://www.veniceclayartists.com/egyptian-pottery/

https://www.yara.us/agriculture/crops/onion/key-facts/world-onion-production/

Kendaragama, K.M.A., 2010. Management of dry zone soils for growing other field crops (OFC’s) In: Soils of the dry zone of Sri Lanka, Eds. R.B. Mapa, S. Somasiri and A.R. Dasssanayake, Pp 267-275. Soil science society of Sri Lanka.

Silva, G.G.R., A.R. Dissanayake. 2010. Soil formed on erosional surfaces of the dry zone. In: Soils of the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Eds. R.B. Mapa, S. Somasiri and A.R. Dasssanayake. Pp79-96. Soil science society of Sri Lanka.

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EVALUATION REPORT OF KOPIA PROJECT ON SEED MULTIPLICATION AND CROPPING TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENT FOR ONION VARIETIES OF SRI LANKA 2015-2017

A.T. SOORIYAARACHCHI1, W.M.W WEERAKOON2, M.G.S.P. PATHIRANA1 AND G.S.K. SAMARAWEERA3

1Field Crops Research and Development Institute, MahaIiuppallama, Sri Lanka2Ministry of Agriculture, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka

3Deputy Director of Agriculture office, Inter Province, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ABSTRACTThe main objective of the “Seed multiplication and cropping technology

development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka 2015-2017” was to increase quality onion true seeds production and it helped to uplift the living standards of villagers. A holistic multi-method approach was used to evaluate the project. Ex-post project evaluation methods were applied in this study and compared the beneficiaries and non -beneficiaries group for the project evaluation. Survey results, showed that the project had a significant impact on the participants’ net revenue in Maha 2016/17 season and year 2017. Participation in the project and training had positive relationship with income of Maha season as well as year 2017. “Social recognition” and “generation of new ideas” were their social benefits. It was observed that project participants were diligent, self help and cooperative among each others and villagers. Poor marketing facility was the main constraint for true seeds producers. During the Maha 2016/17 season beneficiary farmers produced 1,000kg of onion true seeds (worth 80,000USD). Beneficiaries’ average net revenue was 5,756 U$D in Maha 2016/17 season and 10,302U$D for year 2017. Non–beneficiaries average net revenue was 2,202 U$D in Maha 2016/17 season and 4,957 U$D for year 2017. The project had shown significant positive impacts on farmers’ income as well as their

social behavior.

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INTRODUCTIONBig onion (Allium cepa. L) is a main cash crop grown in the Dry Zone of Sri

Lanka especially in Matale and Anuradhapura districts and Mahaweli system H areas in Yala season. Its extent decreased from 6946 ha in 2007 to 4,223 ha in 2013. During the same period big onion production declined by 24% (from 92,167mt in 2007 to 69.638 mt in 2013). However, demand for big onion increased from 232,940 mt in 2007 to 238,512 mt in 2013. As a result, importation increased from 140,773 mt (worth 4,393 Rs.mn.) in 2007 to 168,874 mt (worth 9,179 Rs.mn.) in 2013 (AgStat). Poor quality seeds, lack of high yielding varieties, unexpected rainy weather conditions, lack of knowledge on appropriate crop management practices and storage losses of blubs were the major causes for these reductions (SEPC, 2012).

In order to overcome above issues, it is necessary to produce quality seeds, develop high yielding varieties, develop technologies to increase seed yield and increase storability and also make the farmers aware on appropriate crop management practices. Therefore, KOPIA, Sri Lanka and Department of Agriculture have jointly implemented a 36 month project on “Seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka" in three villages (Anuradhapura, Mannar and Hambantota districts).

The overall goal of the project was to uplift the living standards of rural community and save foreign exchange by reducing onion seed and bulb importation through strengthening self-seed production programs, improving seed production technology, increasing the seed availability for local farmers and enhancing the productivity and national production of big onion.

The specific objectives of project were to support for producing seeds (15 kg of breeder seeds, 500 kg of basic and standard seeds) of big onion variety “Dambulla selection”, farmer participatory true seed production of recommended variety, developing technologies to increase true seed yield of big onion, bulb yield and storability, introducing new big onion varieties for local cultivation, transferring appropriate crop production technologies to farmers, strengthening research capacity for scientific researchers and transferring technologies related to production of seeds and bulbs of big onion and finally technical backstopping of field extension officials and progressive farmers through periodic training by local and Korean scientists.

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The objective of this ex-post evaluation study is to assess project performances as well as draw lessons from the programme implementation and to identify impact of the project on beneficiary group.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe evaluation study was conducted in Galenbidunuwewa village at Anuradhapura

District in North central Province, Sri Lanka. Galenbidunuwewa village is on the border of Anuradhapura and Matale district. The Galenbidunuwewa village falls within the DL2a agro ecological zone. From late October to end of February, the weather is humid. Temperatures may rise up to 30 ˚C and this is the period where most of the rainfall is received from north east monsoon. From July to October, it is very hot and the average maximum temperatures is 35 ˚C.

A holistic multi-method approach was applied to evaluate the project. Qualitative, quantitative and participatory evaluation techniques were employed to generate as much information as necessary for assessing project performances as well as drawing lessons from the programme implementation. The main methods used were Document Review, Household Questionnaire Survey, Personal observations and Focused Group Discussions. Ex-post project evaluation methods were applied in this study and the beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups were compared for the project evaluation. Simple t-test with equal variance, simple regression (log-lin) and descriptive analysis were used to analyse the results (Gertler et.al., 2011).

Review of Documents/ Desk ReviewThe evaluation process reviewed the project proposal, several organizational

documents and other sector documents from FAO and other researchers. A careful review of these documents provided background and valuable evaluative information on the program components and activities that were implemented by project in Gallenbidunuwewa village.

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Household Questionnaire SurveyA semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered among project

beneficiaries. The questionnaires were administered by five trained enumerators under the supervision of the Agriculture Economist. A total of 54 questionnaires were administered (24 beneficiaries and 30 non-beneficiaries). The sample for beneficiaries was drawn from participants interviewed during the post harvest survey as it was noted that some of the baseline respondents were not eventual beneficiaries. Non-beneficiaries were selected randomly from the village list. Five site visits were made to Galenbidunuwewa village. These visits were meant to yield information on the state of infrastructure development, suitability of sites and production issues as well as verifying agronomic techniques. Log-lin model was applied to analyze the data in 2016/17 Maha season and 2017 annual data. Model is given below;

Model of 2016/17 Maha season and year 2017

Where;Parameter Description

lnYi Log value of net revenue (USD) ( i=1, 2016/17 Maha season , i=2,value of 2017 year

X1 Dummy variable for project Participation ( i=1, Participate, i=2, non- participate)

X2 Age of household head (years)X3 Education level of household head ( years)X4 Dummy variable for participate training ( i=1, Participate, i=2, non-

participate)ε Error term

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Limitations of the studyThe field study was conducted over a period of 6 days. With a limited time frame

for field work the evaluation team had to conduct group discussions and household interviews at the same time. This did not allow for ample time to follow up on some emerging issues arising during the course of study. In addition, whilst every effort was made to interview all planned key informants, it was not possible to further reschedule some interviews beyond the allocated period of field work. This has been achieved through validation of data collected from different sources and through the use of different research methods as highlighted.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONSocio-economic characteristics of survey respondents

The following demographic and socio-economic characteristics of interviewed households serve the purpose of describing the key characteristics of participants that may have direct or indirect implications on the impact of the programme interventions. On most occasions, these characteristics were very much similar to the condition at the beginning of the project.

Age of household headThe beneficiaries’ average age of heads of household from the interviewed sample

was 41years with a range of 66 year to 26 years. Non beneficiaries’ head of household age were 43 years and baseline shows 39 year old. The age range represented 66 year to 26 and 60 year to 28 year of baseline and non- beneficiary households respectively (Table 1).

Table 1. Age of household headsBaseline Beneficiary Non-Beneficiary

Average age (year) 39 40 43Maximum age (year) 66 67 60Minimum age (year) 26 26 28

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Education level of household headLiteracy levels for both beneficiary and non-beneficiary household heads were

surveyed. Table 2 shows that 85% of household heads from baseline survey, 91% project participants and 69% of non-beneficiary households had completed ordinary Levels.

Table 2. Level of education of household headsBase line Beneficiary Non-Beneficiary

Completed O/L 85% 91% 69%Not completed O/L 15% 9% 31%

Average household sizeThe household size is important in determining labour constrained households

and labour endowed households. Table 3 shows that on average, both beneficiary and non-beneficiary households had 2.8 members. Within each category, 1.7 members were children.

Table 3. Demographic features of householdsBaseline Beneficiary Non-Beneficiary

Adult 2.5 2.8 2.8Childern 1.8 1.7 1.7

Key Livelihood activities and sources of incomeHouseholds in Galenbidunuwewa village are engaged in cultivation as their main

income source. The main crops were paddy and maize in Maha season and chilli and melon in Yala season.

Household income (Net revenue)Table 4 shows an income distribution among Yala and Maha seasons within

baseline, beneficiaries and non beneficiaries. In the Maha season beneficiaries’ income were shown 5,756U$D increment over baseline value. Also beneficiaries are shown annual income increase from 3,049U$D to 10,302U$D. With compare to non Beneficiaries’, beneficiary income were increased by 62% and 39% in Maha and Yala respectively.

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Table 4. Household income (U$D) (Before and after the project)

Baseline Beneficiary Non-BeneficiaryYala 1,580 4,546 2,754Maha 1,469 5,756 2,204Anuual 3,049 10,302 4,957

Main sources of incomeTable 5 shows the multiple response analysis for the main crop of household

cultivations at baseline, beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups. In the Maha season cropping pattern was not shown significant changes over baseline, beneficiaries and non beneficiaries. However, in the beneficiary group, 4% of farmers have moved to the onion true seed production. In the Yala season 17 % of beneficiary farmers have moved to onion cultivation.

Table 5. Main sources of household income (Before and after the project)

Baseline Beneficiary Non BeneficiaryMaha Yala Maha Yala Maha Yala

Paddy 73% 8% 71% 4% 100% 3%Maize 73% 0% 79% 8% 97% 13%Chiili 12% 58% 13% 83% 23% 83%Onion 0% 0% 4% 17% 0% 0%Pumpkin 0% 4% 0% 4% 0% 10%Melon 0% 12% 4% 33% 0% 30%Vegetable 0% 0% 0% 8% 3% 7%

Household ExpenditureAn assessment of household expenditure patterns shows that project participants

spent more than non-participants on a monthly basis in purchasing non-food items. Although, Non-beneficiaries spent more on household food and education. Table 6 shows that non-beneficiaries spent approximately 101USD per month on purchasing food items whilst average project participants spent about 72USD per month on the same. Similarly

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project participants spent less (about 53USD on average) on education compared to non-beneficiaries (58 USD).

Table 6. Household expenditure (USD) (Before and after the project)Baseline Beneficiary Non-Beneficiary

Food 69 (18%) 72 (12%) 101 (18%)Cloth 21 (5%) 34 (6%) 31 (6%)Education 52 (13%) 53 (9%) 58 (11%)Entertainment 34 (9%) 50 (8%) 40 (7%)Agriculture input 49 (13%) 171 (28%) 146 (27%)Bank loan 130 (33%) 186 (30%) 136 (25%)Other 34 (9%) 36 (9%) 36 (7%)

389 602 548

Project participants’ spent more on agriculture inputs, repaid bank loan and entertainments in comparison to non-participants. This was correlated to relatively higher disposable income levels accrued by project participants as compared to nonparticipants. It was shown that as household income increases, families spend less money on purchasing food staple while they spend more on investment. The higher expenditure levels by project participants on such items as entertainments, bank loan repaying and agriculture activities contributes towards improved living conditions of the beneficiary households.

Overall project achievements by strategic objectives The project major Strategic Objective is to increase farmer income through

production of quality big onion seeds. Simple t-test with equal variance was used to test the hypothesis. While farmers’ net revenue (USD) has become significant in the simple t-test in 2016/17 Maha season. The annual net revenue has also become significant in the year 2017 (Table 8). That implies beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups had difference between Maha season income and annual net income (Table 7).

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Table 7. Simple t-test result with equal variance

Non- Beneficiary Beneficiary All sample t- valueMaha net revenue 2,203.50 5,756.15 3,782.42 3.90Annual net revenue 4,957.30 10,302.23 7,332.82 4.70

Mean value of net revenue in 2016/17 Maha season were 2,203 U$D and 4,957 U$D for non–beneficiaries and beneficiaries respectively. Annual net revenue was 5,756U$D and 10,302U$D for non –beneficiaries and beneficiaries respectively. According to the ordinary least square regression result, Project beneficiaries showed significant positive relationship with log values of Maha net revenue as well as annual net revenue. It implies project has significant impact on beneficiaries (Table 8).

Table 8. Regression coefficients in log values of Maha and annual income

Parameter Maha net revenue *

Annual net revenue *

Participation (participated=1, not participated =0) 0.794 (2.95) 0.780 (3.75)Age (year) -0.009 (0.65) -0.013 (1.23)Education (year) -0.044 (0.61) -0.004 (0.08)Training( yes=1, no=0) 0.921 (1.84) 0.023 (0.06)Constant 7.497 (6.868) 8.812 (10.28)R square 0.259 0.281Adjusted R square 0.196 0.222

*t value is given in parenthesis

Extension SupportAccording to the survey results, all the respondents (project participants and non-

participants) received or accessed extension support services at least once per month. They also received technical support from research officers from Field Crops Research and Development Institute and technical expert from KOPIA, Sri Lanka. Availability of extension services may have contributed to the high adoption levels of agriculture technologies in true seed production in big onion.

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Value of true onion seed productionDue to bad weather and diseases, in 2015/16 Maha season lower seed production

(190kg) was reported compared to Maha 2016/17 (1,000kg). The value of production is 15,600U$D and 80,000U$D in 2015/16 and 2016/17 Maha seasons respectively.

Major farming problems in true seed productionAbout 63% of project beneficiaries had encountered problems with marketing

and 13% of beneficiaries were not satisfied with the price of onion seeds.

Project benefit to participantsUnder the true seed production project, beneficiaries have received physical,

economic and social benefits. They have received poly tunnels, sprayers and farming inputs as physical benefits. Higher income and food security are economic benefits that they received. Social recognition and generation of new innovations were social benefits. During the field visits, evaluation team has observed diligent, self help and co-operative in project beneficiaries among each others as well as villagers.

CONCLUSION Onion is important as a cash crop grown in the dry zone. The poor quality

of seeds is one of the main constraints in big onion cultivation. The objective of the “Seed multiplication and cropping technology development for onion varieties of Sri Lanka 2015-2017” project was to increase quality onion true seeds in Gallenbidunuwewa village in Anuradhapura district and to uplift the living standards of villagers’. According to survey results, project has a significant impact on the participants’ net revenue in 2016/17 Maha season as well as in the year 2017. According to the regression results, participation in the project and training obtained showed a positive relationship with income of 2016/17 Maha season as well in the year 2017. Under the project, participants received poly tunnels, stores, farming inputs as physical benefits. According the survey findings, social recognition and generation of new ideas were identified as their social benefits. Participants were diligent, self help and cooperative among each others and villagers. Poor marketing facility is the main constraint for true seed producers. During

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2016/17 Maha season, beneficiary farmers produced 1,000kg of onion true seeds (worth 80,000USD). Beneficiaries average net revenue was 5,756 U$D in 2016/17 Maha season and 10,302U$D for year 2017. Non–beneficiaries average net revenue was 2,202 U$D and 4,957U$D for 2016/17 Maha season and year 2017 respectively. The project generated significant positive impacts on farmers’ income as well as their social behavior.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe authors would like to thank the KOPIA Sri Lanka, Department of Agriculture

and their staff for facilitating the evaluation exercise and their full cooperation in all activities and requests. We would also like to thank all the research assistants who contributed their time and efforts to make the exercise a success. We thank the beneficiaries of the project who demonstrated a vigorous effort to make their own lives better and exemplary for all like-minded individuals who believe in onion seed production to overcome poverty.

REFERENCESPaul J. Gertler, Sebastian Martinez,Patrick Premand, Laura B. Rawlings,Christel M. J.

Vermeersch, 2011. Impact Evaluation in Practice, World Bank, Washington DC.

Socio Economic and planning center, 2012. Other Field Crops in Sri Lanka Present Status Economic Importance and Challenges, Socio Economic and planning Center, Department of Agriculture, p-2-21.

Socio Economic and Planning Center, 2016. AgStat, Pocket Book of Agriculture Statistics, Socio Economic and Planning Center, Department of Agriculture,