NATORE, Dec 3: This is first time that the farmers of the Padma River belt of Lalpur Upazila of the district have cultivated onions on riverbed which was not possible in the past because of sandy land.
This is called the summer cultivation of onion. Under this programme, the farmers cultivated onions in the month of Vadra-Ashwin. But, in the meantime, the farmers have begun to lift onions from the land. At this moment its size, colour and production ratio are beyond the expectation. Farmers and the local agriculture officials are very happy for this.
For this satisfactory result, the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) had encouraged the farmers largely earlier. At least, 150 farmers were given seeds, fertiliser and other items free of cost to encourage them for this purpose.
Accordingly, the farmers cultivated onions on the riverbed area, and, now they feel that they have got the outset of this crop cultivation. Besides, they are getting better price in the market. As a result they are showing much interest in this crop.
Sharif Ali, a farmer of the Beelmaria riverbed area at Lalpur, said, he cultivated onions on eight bighas of land. He will lift onions from his land after a few days. Production has been good. So he expected double profit from this.
He further said, many farmers of his area have become interested in this after seeing his success in onion cultivation.
He again said, seeds, fertiliser and other necessary items were given to them on behalf of the government free of cost for this purpose. The cultivation of onion will increase in this area next time, he added.
The DAE here said, flood took place here two times in the past. Instead of this, many farmers cultivated the summer time onions on the Padma riverbed in co-operation with the DAE. For this, seeds, fertiliser and other equipment including cash taka were given to the farmers as incentive.
On the other hand, Lalpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Prit Kumer Hore informed that 150 farmers were given necessary agriculture items for onion cultivation in the upazila for the current year.
He expects, the production will be good. Farmers will be gainer. If this situation continues, the market price will remain under control, and the consumers can buy it at a reasonable price.
