Vast tracts of farmland in the northern district of Panchagarh have turned white with blooming onion flowers, signalling a sharp rise in the commercial cultivation of onion seed—often referred to as “black gold.”
Following profitable yields in recent years, farmers across the district are increasingly turning to onion seed farming. Growers say they can earn three to four times their investment, spending Tk 1 lakh per bigha and expecting returns of up to Tk 3 lakh–4 lakh. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) estimates total sales could reach Tk 5.5 crore this season.
In Dhakkamara union under Sadar upazila, particularly in Burirban village, large tracts of land are now dedicated to onion seed cultivation. The fields resemble a carpet of white blossoms, as farmers and labourers work intensively to maintain the crop.
However, a decline in bee activity—largely due to pesticide use—has created challenges in natural pollination. As a result, workers are manually pollinating onion flowers to ensure proper seed formation and better yields.
Farmer Shankar Roy Manik, who has cultivated onion seeds on six acres, remains optimistic. “We expect around 700–800 kilograms of seed per acre. If the yield holds, sales could exceed Tk 60 lakh against a production cost of Tk 20–22 lakh,” he said, adding that he is growing Taherpuri and Faridpuri varieties this season.
The expansion of onion seed farming has also created employment opportunities for rural workers. Labourers such as Sadhan Chandra and Nonibala say they now spend their days manually pollinating flowers, earning enough to support their households while working close to home.
Seed technician Bhuben Chandra Roy noted that bees are essential for natural pollination. “With fewer bees in the fields, flowers fail to mature properly. That’s why manual pollination has become necessary,” he said.
Saiful Islam, additional deputy director of Panchagarh DAE, said onion seed cultivation has expanded from 12 hectares last year to about 30 hectares this season, with expected production of around 30 metric tons. “Onion seed sales could reach Tk 5-5.5 crore this season despite recent hailstorms,” he added.
If this trend continues, he said, domestic onion seed production will increase significantly, reducing dependence on imports.
