Onion cultivation exceeds target in Shariatpur

According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), onions were cultivated on 4,652 hectares of land this season, about 300 hectares more than the target of 4,352 hectares. The char lands of Jajira and Naria upazilas, known for their silty and loamy soil, proved particularly suitable for onion farming, resulting in a good overall yield.

Officials said onions have already started arriving in local markets, leading to a decline in prices. Retail prices have fallen to around Taka 50 per kilogram.

The district's total onion demand stands at 29,772 tonnes, while the production target has been fixed at 61,051 tonnes, more than double the local demand. With cultivation exceeding the target, total production is expected to surpass initial estimates.

Despite the bumper yield, farmers have expressed concern over receiving fair prices. Onion farmer Tabarak Ali of Naodoba said he cultivated onions with borrowed money and fears financial hardship if prices fall further. "If we do not get a fair price, we will be forced to protest on the streets," he said, urging authorities to ensure reasonable market prices.

Deputy Director of DAE Mustafa Kamal Hossain said favorable weather conditions have contributed to higher-than-expected production this year. He added that onion prices have already begun to decline as supply increases, reports BSS.