In Pabna, Bangladesh, onion farmers are currently experiencing satisfaction due to favorable market prices for their crop this year. The district has seen the arrival of 'Mulkata' or 'Kandak' onion in its first phase, with 'Hali' onion expected to hit the market shortly.
Farmers are hopeful for similar pricing for Hali onions as witnessed with Mulkata's. According to agriculture officials, there has been an increase in Mulkata onion productivity across 120 hectares compared to the previous season, and the high market prices have led to an expansion in Hali onion cultivation, surpassing production targets.
This season, Hali onion cultivation expanded by 8,475 hectares from last year. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Pabna has set a production target of 778,818 tonnes of onion on 61,895 hectares, with Hali onion occupying 53,275 hectares for a target of 760,000 tonnes and Mulkata onion on 8,620 hectares aiming for 18,818 tonnes.
Dr. Jamal Uddin, Pabna DAE Deputy Director, mentioned that the annual onion production in the country is about 2,500,000 tonnes, with Pabna district contributing about 800,000 tonnes, making up one-third of the total production. The highest quantity of onion within the district is produced in Sujanagar, Santhia, and Bera subdistricts. The cultivation methods include Mulkata, done in October-November, and Hali, in December-January. The increase in onion demand has led to heightened cultivation enthusiasm among farmers, encouraged further by this year's high prices and the potential for profitable Hali onion production.
Source: thefinancialexpress.com.bd