Onion farmers in Manikganj are claiming financial setbacks this year as they contend with low prices and insufficient demand for their crops. After a successful harvest and good prices last year, farmers expanded their cultivation, hoping for higher returns. However, they are now grappling with disappointing market conditions that threaten to undermine their profits. Many farmers have invested heavily in fertilizers and seeds but are struggling to sell their onions at viable prices.
The Jhitka area of Harirampur Upazila, known for its high-quality onions, has witnessed increased production this year, yet farmers are seeing lower prices than expected. Wealthier farmers are forced to stockpile their onions, while smaller farmers are selling at a loss. Moneylenders, taking advantage of the situation, are hoarding onions in anticipation of higher prices later.
Rahim Mollah, a farmer from Shibaloy Upazila, expressed concern over the situation: "This year, I planted onions on seven bighas of land, and the market is disappointing. Last year, I barely made any profit due to high costs of seeds, fertilizers, and labor. If this continues, moneylenders will once again control the market."
Sakel Uddin Madbar, a 70-year-old farmer from Jhitka Ujan Para, shared his personal loss: "I expanded my cultivation from eight bighas to seventeen this year, expecting good returns. But now, I'm facing a big loss. The price per maund (40kg) has dropped from 4,000 taka last year to just 1,200 taka this year, while production costs remain the same."
The situation is further compounded by the economic struggles of female workers in the area, who rely on cutting onions for additional income. One worker stated, "After finishing my household chores, I help cut onions and earn forty taka per maund. It's a valuable source of extra income for me."
Md. Robiah Noor Ahmed, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, commented on the situation: "The favorable weather conditions led to a good onion yield, but the market is oversaturated, causing prices to drop. The government is considering subsidies to help preserve the onions from high-production areas."
Ahmed also suggested diversifying crops to mitigate such losses in the future. "Farmers should plant different types of crops instead of focusing on just one to avoid flooding the market with excess production."
As onion farmers in Manikganj struggle with market challenges, authorities are looking into measures to stabilize prices and protect farmers from further financial hardship. However, immediate relief for the farmers remains uncertain as the supply continues to surpass demand.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
