Magura farmers find onion seed cultivation lucrative

MAGURA, Nov 16: Farmers in the district are now showing enormous interest in the cultivation of onion seeds, as it has proved very profitable due to its growing demand.
Cultivation of onion seeds is growing every year due to high price of onion, favorable weather and fertile soil.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Magura, onion seeds were cultivated on just 65 hectares of land 15 years back, but this year it has expanded to 185 hectares with a target of 350 maunds of production, meaning almost a threefold increase during the period.
Farmers are optimistic about meeting local demand and supplying onion seeds to other districts as well.
Abul Fazal, a farmer from village Bashkutha in Magura sadar upazila, said, "I have cultivated onion seeds on 4 bighas of land this year and I expect to produce 12 maunds of seeds. I expect to receive Tk 10 lakh by selling the seeds while my production cost is Tk 1.5 lakh."
Barun, another farmer from village Kullia in Magura sadar upazila, said, "Eight to 10 farmers cultivated onion seeds in our village 10 years ago, but this year more than 20 farmers are cultivating onion seeds."
Farmer Amirul Islam, who hails from village Kalundi in Sreepur upazila, Magura, said, "In common crops like rice, jute, and vegetables, middlemen exploit us through syndicates. But we can sell onion seeds directly from our fields just after harvest due to the massive demand."
Magura DAE Deputy Director Dr Md Yashin Ali said, "Onion seeds cultivation is turning the wheel of fortune for Magura farmers. We are supporting them with training and loan facilities. In the past, onion seeds were called 'black pearl' of Magura. Although the crop lost its prominence over time, it has been regaining its former glory over the past 15 years."