Farmers in Pabna are unhappy with the prices they are getting for their onions.
The yield has been good, but farmers complained that the prices at which onions are selling in the market is unfair, and that they are not even getting back the cost of production due to the presence of imported onions.
In such circumstances, they demanded the government halt onion imports for some time and save them from destitution.
The farmers at Sujanagar, Ataikula and Bongram markets said the best local onions are selling wholesale at Tk700-Tk800 per maund (37.32kg), resulting in growers failing to recoup their investment.
One farmer, Abdur Rauf, said he spent at least Tk1,000 for per maund of yield due to increases in the prices of fertilizer, seed and oil.
The farmers will see profit if the price is at least Tk1,200, he added.
Abdus Samad, a farmer of Bongram, said cultivators will incur huge losses if the government does not take any steps.
“I was hoping to get a good price this time as the harvesting season is during Ramadan. But as things stand, we will be left without a penny to our names, let alone see any profit.”
Samad said the government should suspend imports for three months to ensure that farmers get fair prices.
Imrul Kayes echoed Samad’s demand, and said: “[On the other hand,] imports are stopped when growers run out of onions. As a result, only syndicates stockpiling onions benefit, while farmers and consumers are hurt.”
Sources at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said there has been an excellent yield this year due to good weather and timely fertilizer use, before holding out hope that the prices may increase after a few days.
Pabna DAE Deputy Director Mizanur Rahman said one-fourth of the total onion produced in the country is from Pabna.
He told Dhaka Tribune: “Farmers are forced to sell all onions at the very beginning of the season because of the pressure of paying back their dues, which is why they sell low.
“We have proposed to set up a state-run onion storage facility in the district. If there is an option for preservation, farmers can keep their onions stored and fair prices can also be ensured.”
