Farmers in Sirajganj have started cultivating seasonal onions and garlic, and many of them are making preparations for it. However, rising prices of onion and garlic seeds in local markets have left many farmers distressed.
According to district Department of Agricultural Extension, this season, the target was set to cultivate onion and garlic on 2,000 hectares of land across nine upazilas of the district. Of this, onions will be cultivated in 1,068 hectares of land, garlic on 900 hectares of land, and potatoes on 2,455 hectares of land.
Farmers have already started preparing for profitable onion and garlic farming, but the steep increase in seed prices has created challenges. Currently, hybrid onion seeds and other varieties are selling at an average of Tk 4,500 to Tk 5,500 per kg, while garlic seeds are selling at Tk 340 and Tk 360 per kg in local markets.
The most significant amount of onions and garlic cultivation takes place in Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara, and Shahjadpur upazilas under Chalan Beel area. Additionally, regions near the Jamuna River, such as Natuapara and Mechhra in Kazipur, and Kawakola in Sirajganj sadar, have also seen widespread cultivation. In Chalan Beel alone, the target was set to cultivate onion and garlic on approximately 1,000 hectares of land.
Tarash Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdullah Al Mamun said that cultivating garlic on one bigha of land costs about Tk 40,000, while onion cultivation costs around Tk 30,000. He added that seed prices are significantly higher this year compared to previous years, which has made cultivation more challenging for farmers. He also noted that, as in previous years, farmers in Chalan Beel are cultivating garlic with no-till farming method.
The Deputy Director of the Sirajganj District Department of Agricultural Extension, AZM Ahsan Shahid Sarker, said that the target Was set to cultivate onions on 1,068 hectares of land, garlic on 900 hectares, and potato on 2,455 hectares of land. He also mentioned that to encourage cultivation, onion seeds and fertilizers have been distributed among small and marginal farmers. While seed prices for onions, garlic, and potatoes have risen slightly, he is optimistic about a bumper yield this season if the weather remains favorable. The local agriculture department continues to provide guidance to farmers cultivating garlic, onions, and potatoes, he added.
