In Chapainawabganj district, the abundant harvest of summer onions and favourable market prices have delighted local farmers. The successful cultivation of the N-53 variety has made this season particularly profitable.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) played a pivotal role in this success. They provided farmers with essential resources, including 1 kg of N-53 onion seeds, 20 kg of fertilizers (MoP and DAP), pesticides, and Tk 2,800 in cash for labour costs per bigha of land.
This comprehensive support was part of a government initiative benefiting 4,500 farmers. Additionally, the DAE offered crucial training, which contributed to the bumper yield.
During a visit to Ghorapakhia in the Sadar upazila, the scene was one of industriousness, with farmers diligently harvesting their crops. Sayem Ali, a local farmer, shared his experience: "I've grown onions before, but the N-53 variety has brought an unprecedented yield. I'm expecting to harvest 108 maunds per bigha and, with favourable weather, even 120 maunds." He further noted the profitable market prices, with one maund selling for Tk 2,200. Despite investing Tk 30,000 of his own funds, the returns have been encouraging. Sayem intends to continue with N-53 cultivation, irrespective of government incentives.
Abu Bakar, another farmer, echoed these sentiments. He praised the N-53 onions' size but noted a delay in his harvest due to later planting. He raised concerns about the sufficiency of government incentives, citing higher costs for setting up a seedbed and additional expenses. Abu Bakar spent Tk 30,000-35,000 per bigha, but the market prices have ensured a profit.
Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of Chapainawabganj DAE, emphasized the importance of a well-prepared seedbed in successful summer onion cultivation. He mentioned that the DAE provided polythene covers and fungicides to protect the seedbeds from rain and decomposition. He highlighted the superiority of the N-53 variety over local varieties, with yields reaching 100 maunds per bigha compared to 30-40 maunds from local onions.
The government, through the Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC), has imported N-53 seeds. This variety, cultivated between June and August, allows for a 90-day harvest period and offers a two-month preservation window.
"If the cultivation of N-53 onions expands nationwide, we can reduce our reliance on imported onions, saving foreign currency," Palash stated. Annually, the government imports about 10 lakh metric tonnes of onions, making this domestic success a significant step towards agricultural self-reliance.
