RAJARHAT, KURIGRAM, Apr 16: For the first time, onion seed production has started in Rajarhat Upazila of Kurigram, creating new prospects for local farmers and reducing dependency on seeds brought from outside districts.
Visiting the onion field of farmer Russel Ahmed in Chhatmadha village under Sadar Union on Thursday, lush and healthy onion plants were seen covering the entire plot. Russel cultivated onions on about 60 decimals of land in December last year.
Around 10 to 12 male and female labourers are working in the field daily. The farmer started collecting seeds in early April, while full-scale harvesting is expected by mid-month. The initiative is already creating seasonal employment opportunities for local workers, who are earning between Tk 300 and Tk 600 per day, contributing to the rural economy.
Farmer Russel Ahmed said he had long depended mainly on paddy and potato cultivation but suffered repeated losses. "I decided to take a risk and started onion seed cultivation using the Polycross variety," he said. "It began as a hobby, but I plan to expand it further. If no major natural disaster occurs, I expect good profit."
He added that this is his first attempt at large-scale seed production and expressed optimism about future expansion if the results remain favourable.
Rajarhat Upazila Agriculture Officer Samsunnahar Sathi said, onion seed production has started for the first time in Kurigram this year. Previously, seeds had to be brought from Faridpur, increasing production costs for farmers. Local production, she said, would reduce costs and increase farmers' profitability.
She added that the initiative could reduce dependency on external sources and help strengthen local agricultural resilience if expanded further.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Abdullah Al Mamun, said onion is an important cash crop and the climate of Kurigram is highly suitable for its cultivation.
He said, interested farmers are being provided with necessary training and support.
Agricultural officials believe that successful onion seed production in the region could encourage wider adoption, diversify cropping patterns and create new income opportunities for farmers in the northern districts.
