Farmers in Kushtia are busy taking care of the winter onion harvest as they expect more profits than in the last season.
This year the price of onion seeds was low while the retail price of onions is high. As such, the farmers of Kushtia are spending a busy time in onion cultivation in the hope of making extra profits.
After a few days, the cash crop will start reaching the farmers' homes.
According to information from the District Agricultural Extension Department, the target for winter and “mulkata” onion cultivation has been set at 13,735 hectares of land in the current winter season, which is about 300 hectares more than last year.
Dhaka TribuneHowever, there is a possibility of overshooting the target due to favourable weather conditions. After a few days, the farmers will bring the onions home.
Due to the low price of onion seeds, the cost of onion cultivation was about Tk25,000 to Tk30,000 per bigha. If onions are not imported from abroad, the farmers will make profits if local onions are sold at Tk30-35 per kg.
Nizam Uddin, a successful onion grower of Swaruppur village of Daulatpur Upazila, said that this year the cost of production will be lower as the price of onion seeds has been low.
He spent about Tk90,000 on his onion cultivation on three bigha of land.
Daulatpur Agriculture Officer Nurul Islam said onion cultivation has been increasing due to the low price of seeds.
“Onion cultivation has improved and yield is expected to rise as farmers are provided with necessary incentives, including seeds, fertilisers, use of technology and advice,” he said.
