Due to favourable weather condition and timely supply of necessary agri-inputs, the farmers of Jamuna River basin are expecting bumper output of onion this current season in Bogura.

Getting bumper production along with satisfactory market price last few years, the farmers in the district are expanding their commercial cultivation of onions this year. They are expecting a better yield and higher profits than the previous year.

The high demand and good price for onions in the market have encouraged the farmers to cultivate the crop on more lands this year, said agriculture officials. The target of  onion cultivation in 12 upazilas of the district has exceeded in current season.

In a visit recently the correspondent found, the onions are being cultivated in the fertile chars last two month ago as chars have been submerged in flood waters for a long time on the banks of river Jamuna. Due to high yield and year round demand in the market, the farmers have shown hybrid variety of onion cultivation.

Farmer Waliul Islam under Sariakandi upazila said with the logistic support of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE)  he has cultivated onion  in a total of 2 acres of land of Jamuna River char area current season to make over Tk 0.1 million paying production cost. The farmers have become interested in cultivating this variety, he added.

The lands have become suitable for cultivation due to siltation in the char lands, said farmer Shahadat Hossain under Dhunot upazila. He has cultivated hybrid pepper on 2 bighas of land this year. So far he hopes to be able to pick peppers from the land by next January-February.

The number of farmers receiving incentives may increase next year as more are showing interest in onion cultivation in the district said Upazila Agriculture officer of Sonatola Md Sohrab Hossain.

“I planted onions on 3 acres of land at a cost of around Tk 20,000. I have started harvesting the crop, expecting a yield of around 120 maunds. Hopefully, I will fetch a good profit,” said farmer Aminul of Sariakandi upazila.

The poor farmers in the district have been given agricultural incentives, including fertiliser and seeds, for the production of onion variety, said Deputy Director of DAE Md Motlubor Rahman.