‘Murikata’onion brings boon to Manikganj farmers

Amidst the volatility in the onion market, farmers in Manikganj are turning to Murikata onions due to their ability to yield three times more produce per bigha in a short period.

This shift has proven lucrative for farmers as the demand for Murikata onions remains high. Additionally, the quick harvesting time allows farmers to cultivate more crops on the same land, significantly altering the fortunes of onion farmers in the district.

Given the current onion market conditions in Manikganj, where local onions are priced at Tk 200 and Indian onions at Tk 180, the public is facing difficulties. Just two days prior, Indian onions were priced at Tk 80-90 per kg, and local onions at Tk 100-110 per kg. The situation underscores the significance of alternative onion varieties such as Murikata in addressing market needs.

According to the district agriculture extension directorate, onion cultivation has covered 2,895 hectares across seven upazilas in the district during the current season. The anticipated production is 48,537 metric tons, with an additional 200 hectares of land already prepared for advanced cultivation, yielding 4,000 metric tons of unripe onions. The ongoing early ripening onion picking festival in various upazilas is contributing to the increased supply.

In contrast to the usual 45 to 50 days required to harvest mature onions, Murikata onions allow farmers to profit by selling the entire crop at a wholesale price of Tk 40 to Tk 50 per kg within 20 to 25 days. The productivity is impressive, with farmers harvesting 20 to 25 maunds of onions per bigha from mature onions, while Murikata onions yield 60 to 70 maunds per bigha, providing farmers with substantial profits.

Farmers like Altab Ali and Abdul Karim attest to the advantages of cultivating Murikata onions, emphasizing the high profits achievable in a short time. The versatility of this crop also allows farmers to cultivate additional crops such as carrots on the same land, further enhancing their economic gains. Wholesalers are capitalizing on the popularity of Murikata onions, purchasing unripe onion plants from farmers, as the onions are known for their taste and high market demand.

Abul Hossain notes the significant demand for unripe onions in the Karwan market of Dhaka, where prices range from Tk 40 to Tk 55 per kg. The entire trees and trunks are sold together due to the demand, with these onions being transported to Dhaka to meet market needs.

Businessman Alim Sheikh highlights the robust demand for Murikata onions in various markets, including Karwan Bazar, Shyambazarata, Ashulia, and Dhamrai. He emphasizes the swift turnover of these onions, driven by consumer demand and profitability.

Rahmat Ali Gayen underscores the economic principle of supply and demand, stating that all crops in demand by consumers are profitable. The scarcity of Murikata onions in the market further contributes to increased profits for farmers.

Shahidul Amin, the Additional Deputy Director of Manikganj District Agricultural Extension Department, encourages farmers to engage in Murikata onion cultivation, emphasizing the potential for high profits in a short time. This strategic shift in cultivation practices is seen as a means to bolster economic prosperity and development in the region, as Manikganj's onion farmers redefine their fortunes through the early cultivation of Murikata onions.