Ministry of Agriculture has launched a comprehensive campaign to boost onion production, aiming for self-sufficiency in a crop that frequently triggers market volatility and supply crisis. As part of this initiative, the government has begun distributing 50 tons of high-quality onion seeds free of cost to farmers, along with essential fertilizers such as DAP and MOP.
Farmers across 37 upazilas have already received the seeds, with distribution in the remaining 13 upazilas expected to conclude shortly. Authorities confirm that all imported seeds—brought in through three licensed companies—have cleared customs and are being delivered directly through local agricultural offices.
This year’s timely delivery stands in contrast to past delays and allegations of poor-quality seeds. Last year, quick intervention by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Md. Emdad Ullah Mian averted a crisis by importing superior onion seeds from the United States, which led to a bumper harvest and helped stabilize prices.
Building on that success, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has ramped up efforts for the 2025 summer season. DAE Director General Md. Shaiful Alam said the ministry is working on multiple fronts—including expanding cultivation land, enhancing market management, constructing cold storage facilities, and strengthening research on summer onion varieties.
“Farmers are receiving seeds on time this year. There is no shortage, no irregularity. We’re also installing 4,000 air-flow machines across the country to ensure proper post-harvest storage,” Alam said.
Abul Kalam Azad, coordinator of the Program on Agriculture and Rural Transformation for Nutrition Entrepreneurship Resilience in Bangladesh project, confirmed that seedbed preparation will begin on July 15, and harvesting is expected by September.