Table of Contents
Introduction
Onions are a staple in almost every kitchen worldwide and hold a special place in Indian cuisine. India is one of the largest onion-producing countries, with major contributions from states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Onions are not only a key ingredient in various dishes but also valued for their health benefits. Their medicinal properties make them an essential crop in both the culinary and wellness sectors.
Onion farming plays a crucial role in India’s agricultural economy, providing employment to thousands of farmers and supporting allied industries such as transportation, processing, and retail. The impact of onion farming extends beyond farms, influencing local markets and livelihoods across the country.
Now, let’s explore the top 10 onion-producing states in India for 2023-24 in detail.

Top 10 Onion Producing States in India
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Karnataka
- Rajasthan
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
- Haryana
- Andhra Pradesh

Maharashtra

Maharashtra ranks first in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 8,602.00 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated across an area of 6,674.4 km². The major onion-producing regions in Maharashtra include Nashik and Satara.
Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh ranks second in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 4,166.31 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 1,989.2 km² in the state. The major onion-producing regions in Madhya Pradesh include Indore, Sagar, Shajapur, Khandwa, Ujjain, Dewas, and Ratlam.
Gujarat

Gujarat ranks third in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 2,057.00 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 792.5 km². The major onion-producing regions in Gujarat include Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, and Jamnagar.
Karnataka

Karnataka ranks fourth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 1,637.89 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 1,519.4 km². The major onion-producing regions in Karnataka include Belagavi, Bijapur, and Bagalkot.
Rajasthan

Rajasthan ranks fifth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 1,630.50 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 928.0 km². The major onion-producing regions in Rajasthan include Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Sikar.

Bihar

Bihar ranks sixth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 1,387.76 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 578.0 km². The major onion-producing regions in Bihar include Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur.
West Bengal

West Bengal ranks seventh in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 857.00 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 430.0 km². The major onion-producing regions in West Bengal include Hooghly, Murshidabad, Burdwan, and Nadia.
Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh ranks eighth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 576.50 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 341.0 km². The major onion-producing regions in Uttar Pradesh are Mirzapur and Ballia.
Haryana

Haryana ranks ninth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 541.00 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 216.4 km². The major onion-producing regions in Haryana are Mewat, Yamunanagar, and Ambala.
Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh ranks tenth in onion production in India for 2023-24, with a total production of 512.79 kilotonnes. Onions were cultivated over an area of 328.8 km². The major onion-producing regions in Andhra Pradesh are Kurnool, Kadapa, West Godavari, East Godavari, and Anantapur.

Top 10 States Based on Productivity of Onion Farming
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Bihar
- Punjab
- Madhya Pradesh
- Telangana
- West Bengal
- Himachal Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
Fun Facts About Onion
- Onions have a history dating back over 5,000 years, with ancient Egyptians using them for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
- Onions are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, and potassium, along with dietary fiber that provides various health benefits.
- The antioxidants in onions, particularly quercetin, help reduce cholesterol levels and may contribute to lowering blood pressure.
- Onions have natural antibacterial properties, making them beneficial for immune support.
- When cut, onions release sulfur-containing compounds that react with the air and cause eye irritation, making people tear up.
- Besides being a staple in cooking, onions have been traditionally used in home remedies for colds, infections, and wound healing.
- Onions come in various types, with red and white onions being the most common, while green onions (spring onions) add strong flavors to many dishes.
- Onions are rich in flavonoids like quercetin, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Being low in calories, onions are a great addition to weight-loss diets and healthy eating plans.
- The strong smell of onions helps repel pests, and onion extracts are sometimes used as a natural pesticide in farming.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state ranks first in onion production in India for 2023-24?
A.Maharashtra ranks first in onion production in India for 2023-24.
Q. What are the top 5 onion-producing states in India?
A. The top five onion-producing states in 2023-24 are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
Q. Which regions in Maharashtra are major producers of onions?
A.Nashik and Satara are among the major onion-producing regions in Maharashtra.
Q. Which state is known as the onion capital of India?
A. Nashik, Maharashtra, is often referred to as the onion capital of India due to its leading production.
Q. What is the scientific name of the onion plant?
A. The scientific name of the onion plant is Allium cepa.
Q. Which states are the major onion producers in southern India?
A. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are the major onion producers in southern India in 2023-24.
Q. Which state has the second-highest onion production in India for 2023-24?
A. Madhya Pradesh ranks second in onion production for 2023-24.
Q. What family does the onion belong to?
A. Onions belong to the Amaryllidaceae family.
Q. Which state has the highest onion productivity in India for 2023-24?
A. Gujarat has the highest onion productivity in India for 2023-24.
Q. Which state has the largest area under onion cultivation in India for 2023-24?
A. Maharashtra has the largest area under onion cultivation in India for 2023-24.
