Dr. Md. Abdus Salam
One of the earliest crops ever cultivated by humans is the onion dating back more than 5,000 years, and played an essential role in various civilisations. Onions are important not only for their rich nutritional but also for medicinal qualities in addition to their tastiness and economic significance. It is low in fat and cholesterol packed with high vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, iron, calcium, and dietary fibre. Furthermore, they contain adequate sulphur compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. These boost immunity, lessen inflammation, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol. The flavonoids like quercetin prevent heart disease and cancer. Onions are a crop of scientific and commercial significance in Bangladesh because they promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture in addition to their health advantages.
As spiced-crops, onion holds a vital place in the food culture and economy of Bangladesh. Every household depends daily on onion for cooking, shortages or price spikes ripple through the economy and affect both consumers and producers widely. Economically, onion cultivation is widespread throughout the country especially in districts namely Pabna, Faridpur, Rajbari, Manikganj, Kushtia, Rajshahi, Jhenaidah, and Meherpur and the crop generates significant income for farmers. In short, onion is more than just a flavouring vegetable. It is a culinary, nutritional and economic cornerstone for Bangladesh.
Recently, market prices of onion have once again surged across Bangladesh, underscoring the ongoing struggle to maintain the stability in the supply and demand of this essential crops. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, annual demand for onions in Bangladesh stands for about 3.2 to 3.5 million tonnes for 180.5 people, based on a per capita daily consumption of 40 grams. Despite record of domestic production (4.4 million tonnes), market of balance daily supply and demand lead to price fluctuations of onion due to substantial post-harvest huge loss-approximately 30 percent of total harvest. These losses stem from improper post-harvest handling, inadequate and poor storage, inefficient transport and frequently disruptions in the supply chain. A seasonal surplus during the harvest forces the prices to plummet, discouraging farmers while during off-season, the limited supply and export bans fuel the volatility in onion prices across Bangladesh, distorting the market and burdening consumers. The government allows onion imports if domestic prices don’t stabilise. The country continues to depend heavily on imports from neighbouring countries such as India, Thailand, and China and still imports about 6-7 lakh tonnes of onions annually to meet its demand. However, traders attribute the price hike to a combination of supply chain disruptions, import delays, and stockpiling by middlemen.
According to BBS, 2024, in Bangladesh the total land under onion cultivation is about 1.08 lakh hectares with production of around 4 million tons. Given the population growth, rising consumption and demand for onion, the current land use seems substantial but there is still scope for expansion, especially through summer onion production or non‑traditional regions. Land suitability matters particularly Barind tract and dry winter lands have been flagged for onion cultivation potential. The national average yield for onion in Bangladesh could be doubled through optimisation of land use and adoption of hybrid varieties. The land availability is not just about ‘unused suitable land’ but also shifting cropping patterns to onion, through strategic planning to mitigate long-standing weaknesses in the supply chain.
Onion seed production is critical for increasing yields, and reducing import dependency, stabilising markets. Currently, Bangladesh imports a significant portion of onion seeds, especially for early-season and high-yield varieties. Local seed production can reduce costs, import dependency, and supply uncertainty. Strengthening domestic seed production infrastructure will benefit both farmers and consumers, while supporting the national economy. Therefore, seed production needs to ensure uniform size, pungency, and storage life of onions, which is important for marketability and export potential.
Government must take initiative through scientific interventions of high-yield hybrid and disease-resistant onion varieties that mature faster and offer greater resilience to climate stress. while onion processing industries (e.g., dehydrated onion, onion powder) could add value and extend shelf life. Establishment of modern cold storage, ventilated warehouses, and processing industries to produce onion powder or dehydrated onions, which can reduce waste and stabilise supply. Improving transportation networks and market monitoring could also help prevent manipulation by middlemen.
Through, the targeted investments in infrastructure, research, and farmer education, Bangladesh can achieve self-sufficiency in onion production. Reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring year-round cultivation, and creating a more transparent market system are seen as key steps toward stability. With scientific innovation, better storage, and policy support, the country can finally achieve self-sufficiency and stable prices for this essential crop. With current cultivation area and modest yields, Bangladesh is producing less than its full potential. Improving yields is a key lever for strengthening food security, farmer income, and stabilising the onion sector. Policymakers, researchers and farmers all have roles: from seed production, extension services, infrastructure (storage, transport), to market systems.
The writer is the Principal Agricultural Economist at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Centre (BARC)
