Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj :
The government has taken an initiative to increase onion production in the country by 10 lakh tons within the next three years in order to attain self-sufficiency and cut import dependence.
The moves taken on account of repeated bans on onion experts by India and these countries create shortfalls during the lean season, forcing people from all walks of life to spend exorbitant prices on the kitchen staple.
Bangladesh requires at least 35 lakh tonnes annually.
In Kishoreganj, Department of of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has taken up a massive onion cultivation scheme in 13 upazilas of the district during the current Rabi season. Agriculture Officer of Kishoreganj Khamarbari Md. Maijuddin said, a total of 750 hectares of land were brought under onion cultivation in all the upazilas this year with a production target of over 8,250 metric tons.
Of them, 30 hectares of land in Hossainpur, 10 hectares in Kishoreganj Sadar, 165 hectares in Pakundia, 50 hectares in Katiadi, 65 hectares in Karimganj, 45 hectares in Tarail, 25 hectares in Itna, 40 hectares in Mithamoin, 40 hectares in Nikli, 35 hectares in Austagram, 20 hectares in Bajitpur, 35 hectares in Kuliarchar and 190 hectares of land have been brought under cultivation in Bhairab upazila of Kishoreganj Deputy Director (DD) of DAE in Kishoreganj Md. Saiful Alam told the New Nation that the local farmers are becoming interested in onion farming as they have received bumper output and fair price of the produce in recent years.
The authorities concerned have taken adequate steps for ensuring smooth supply of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, technical assistant and others inputs to the onion growers at grassroots level. Besides, commercial banks, other financial institutions and NGO’s provided easy term.
Agriculture loans in this connection, so the farmers are expecting excellent yield of onion this year, he added.
