A strong onion harvest in Manikganj’s Harirampur has failed to benefit farmers, as a sharp fall in prices leaves many unable to recover production costs.
Farmers say the situation has been worsened by traders buying onions at 42 kilograms per maund instead of the standard 40 kilograms, increasing losses further.
Field visits to several areas and Jhitka market show farmers busy harvesting and processing onions, while others are attempting to sell produce at low prices.
New onions are currently selling for Tk700 to Tk1,000 per maund, while beef is priced at around Tk750 per kilogram and mutton at Tk1,300, meaning farmers must sell nearly a maund of onions to buy a kilogram of meat.
Farmers estimate yields at one to one-and-a-half maunds per decimal of land, with cultivation costs ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk3,000 per decimal.
At current prices, many are unable to cover even their production expenses.
Balla Union Jhitka Shikdarpra farmer Chanowar said he spent Tk2,000 to Tk2,500 per decimal cultivating onions on 24 decimals of land but is selling at Tk700 to Tk1,000 per maund, incurring losses of more than Tk1,000 per decimal.
Another farmer, Khorshed, said he cultivated onions on four bighas at a cost of Tk90,000 to Tk1,00,000 per bigha and sees little chance of recovering his investment at prevailing market rates.
Farmers also allege that traders are purchasing onions at 42 kilograms per maund, forcing them to supply an additional two kilograms per unit.
Jhitka market trader Md Mizan said the price drop is due to excess supply and claimed the 42-kilogram practice is common to offset weight loss in wet onions.
Harirampur Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Touhiduzzaman Khan said onion cultivation has exceeded targets this season, contributing to oversupply and lower prices, though he expects the market to stabilise over time.
Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection Manikganj Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel said the Jhitka market committee has been warned and enforcement drives have been conducted in Borongail market to ensure fair pricing and measurement practices.
