Photo: Collected
The onion farmers of Kurigram have experienced significant benefits this year by cultivating the N-53 variety. Its exceptional taste and high demand in local markets have led to substantial profits for farmers in the district.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Kurigram played a pivotal role in facilitating this success by providing farmers with essential resources. These included 1 kg of N-53 onion seeds, 20 kg of fertilizers (MOP and DAP), along with other necessary materials. Additionally, the DAE offered cash incentives of Tk 2,000 per bigha of land to cover labor costs. This government initiative has positively impacted around 800 farmers in the district.
During a recent visit to onion fields in the Bhogdanga union under Kurigram Sadar upazila, it was evident that farmers were pleased with the bumper yield and fair prices of the N-53 variety. Islam Mia, a 60-year-old farmer from Koikuri village, shared his experience, "For the first time, I planted onion saplings in early January and harvested them in late April. Despite being cultivated alongside other crops, I obtained a bumper yield of N-53 variety onions."
"With favorable weather conditions, I harvested approximately 60 mounds of onions, selling them for Tk 1,500 per mound. While the DAE provided seeds, fertilizers, and cash support, I invested Tk 25,000 of my own funds in land preparation, labor, pesticides, and harvesting. This resulted in a profit of around Tk 60,000. I am eager to continue cultivating N-53 onions in the future," Islam added.
Another farmer, Mofijul Islam, 45, from Jugipara village, echoed similar sentiments. "With the support from the agriculture department, I cultivated the N-53 variety on one bigha of land this year. Despite the need for an early harvest to accommodate the next crop, I achieved a bumper yield of onions," he said.
"It's noteworthy that seven N-53 onions weigh approximately one kilogram, while it takes around 25 local variety onions to reach the same weight," Mofijul added. "Managing all the tasks in my onion field myself, I essentially acted as a laborer. As a result, the total production translated into my profit. I sold the onions for Tk 1,400 to Tk 2,100 per mound."
According to local DAE officials, this year, the department aimed to cultivate onions on 2,350 hectares of land in the district, but farmers exceeded expectations by utilizing 2,505 hectares. Last year, onion cultivation covered 2,110 hectares in the area.
Biplob Kumar Mohanta, former Deputy Director (DD) of Kurigram DAE, stressed the importance of well-prepared seedbeds for successful summer onion cultivation. "We provided seeds, fertilizers, and cash incentives to 800 farmers this year, with plans to extend this support to 1,000 farmers next year. Additionally, we supplied polythene covers and fungicides to protect the seedbeds from rain and decomposition," Mohanta added.
"The N-53 variety of onion enhances the flavor of various dishes, especially during times of local onion shortages. If its cultivation expands nationwide, we can reduce our dependence on onion imports, ultimately saving foreign currency," he concluded.
Messenger/Fameema
