Caption: Farmers in Manikganj are busy sowing onions in a field. These potatoes and onions will cater to the market demand in Manikganj within the next two months. The photo was captured in Ghior Upazila of Manikganj. Photo: Md Sami
During the current agricultural season, farmers in Manikganj are actively involved in cultivating Murikata onions, prompted by price surges in the kitchen market. This has instilled hope among farmers for obtaining favorable prices.
This practice is notably prominent across various upazilas of the district, capitalizing on the high potential of these areas for producing this widely used spice.
The region's soil has proven to be particularly conducive to the successful growth of Murikata onions, especially in areas like Shivaloy and Harirampur upazilas where the alluviation from the Jamuna River has enriched the soil, making it an ideal environment for onion cultivation.
The cultivation of Murikata onions is widespread across all seven upazilas in Manikganj, with a significant focus on Shivaloy and Harirampur. Notable areas including Alokdia, Trishundi, Dhallarchar, Kanaidia, Charsibaloy, Kuishahata, and Nali, among others, are witnessing robust onion cultivation. Farmers in these regions, such as those in Char Shivalay and Ramkrishnapur union of Harirampur upazila, are actively engaged in the cultivation process.
The Murikata onion, known for its distinctive characteristics, demands small onions for its initial growth. The total cost incurred for plantation is estimated to be between 3Tk 0,000 to 35,000 per bigha. If weather conditions remain favorable, farmers anticipate a yield of 40 to 50 maunds per bigha, making onion cultivation a lucrative venture.
Manu Mia, an onion farmer from Char Shivalay, shared his plans to cultivate Murikata onions on approximately 3 bighas of land. Having already completed cultivation on 40% of the land, he intends to expand the cultivation to cover 61% more land, having secured the required small onions. Mia expressed confidence in a successful yield, citing last year's positive results and projecting a potential harvest of 120 to 140 maunds if weather conditions remain favorable.
Abdul Aziz, another farmer from Shivalay, detailed his cultivation efforts, covering 39% of his land and investing around Tk 24,000. Despite increased expenses due to the purchase of small onions, Aziz remains optimistic, hoping for a yield of 50 to 55 maunds if weather conditions cooperate.
However, Hossain Ali from Bakchar village in Ramkrishnapur union of Harirampur upazila highlighted a slight decline in onion cultivation this season due to continuous rains. He remains hopeful for a successful yield within two months from his 2 bighas of Murikata onion cultivation.
Md. Enayet Ullah, Deputy Director of the District Agriculture Extension Directorate, acknowledged the farmers' inclination towards onion cultivation, driven by the high market prices. He anticipates that Murikata onion cultivation in the region may surpass initial expectations, exceeding the targeted production this season.
The fertile lands of Manikganj are witnessing a surge in Murikata onion cultivation, with farmers like Manu Mia, Abdul Aziz, and Hossain Ali actively participating in this lucrative venture. The unique demands of Murikata onions and the favorable soil conditions contribute to a positive outlook for a successful harvest. As the season progresses, the fields of Manikganj tell a story of hope, hard work, and the promise of a fruitful harvest.
Messenger/Fardin
