Onion cultivation in Madaripur has exceeded official targets this season, with strong output of bulbs, spring onions and high-value seed widening prospects for growers across the district’s four upazilas.
Department of Agricultural Extension data showed bulb onion cultivation reached about 4,262 hectares, above the target of 4,050 hectares, while spring onion acreage rose to about 694 hectares against a target of 673 hectares.
Onion seed production also outpaced expectations. Cultivation reached about 74 hectares, well above the 42-hectare target, underscoring rising farmer interest in a segment that offers far higher returns.
Farmers in Kalkini-Dasar and Shibchar have benefited from better yields and satisfactory market prices, while fields in Madaripur Sadar, Kalkini-Dasar, Rajoir and Shibchar are now producing a broad mix of onion bulbs, spring onions and seed.
A large share of the harvested onions has already been sold, with favourable prices easing pressure on growers.
Farmer Kaiyum said onion seed is widely known among cultivators as “Kalosona” because of its high value in the market.
“One kilogram of onion seed sells for around Tk7,000 to Tk8,000, sometimes even more,” he said.
The rise in onion cultivation and output over recent years is also drawing young people into the sector as entrepreneurs, adding a new commercial dimension to the district’s farm economy.
In seed production, pollination usually takes place through bees, though many farmers are also using artificial hand pollination in an effort to raise yields further.
Madaripur Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Dr Rahima Khatun said farmers had received overall support for onion cultivation, including incentives as well as timely seed and fertiliser assistance.
With acreage exceeding targets and seed production expanding sharply, Madaripur’s onion sector is emerging as a stronger agricultural business opportunity centred on the premium “Kalosona” seed.
