Farmers dump onions in ponds as market prices crash, demand government intervention

Farmers in Saltha upazila, Faridpur, are throwing onions into canals, ponds and ditches in extreme frustration over not getting fair prices for their produce. With market prices dropping far below production costs, they are facing significant losses.

Recently, farmers were seen discarding onions into a ditch in Khoar village, sparking widespread discussion. Farmers say throwing onions into water is less painful than selling them at current market prices.

Onion farmer Daud Matubbar said onions are currently selling at Tk 800-900 per maund, while production costs — including fertiliser, seeds, irrigation, diesel, pesticides and labour — amount to Tk 1,600-1,700 per maund. The weight also decreases during storage, leaving them with nothing but losses.

Farmers in Nagarkanda, Boalmari, Bhanga, Sadarpur and Madhukhali upazilas are facing similar crises. Despite good yields, low market prices have left most farmers in losses. Many are struggling to repay loans taken for cultivation.

Saltha farmer Ahmad Matubbar said cultivation costs are much higher than before. "Now, selling one maund of onions does not even buy one kilogram of beef. If this continues, I am thinking whether to grow onions next year."

Wholesalers say prices have dropped due to high supply in the market. Faridpur wholesaler Shahjahan Bepari said good yields and large supplies from various districts have driven down prices, but effective market management is needed to protect farmers' interests.

Agriculture officials say onion prices fluctuate significantly every year due to increased production, lack of adequate storage facilities and weak market management, affecting either consumers or farmers.

Saltha Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md Rezaul Karim said 12,585 hectares of land were cultivated with onions this season, exceeding the target, with total production of approximately 2,50,125 metric tonnes. He estimated production costs at Tk 24 per kg and Tk 960 per maund.

Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dabir Uddin said farmers are suffering due to low prices. He will raise the matter with the local MP and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Faridpur Agriculture Extension Department Deputy Director Agriculturist Md Shahaduzzaman said 1,430 airflow machines were distributed last year to help farmers store onions. This year, 700 have already been distributed and efforts are underway to supply around 2,500 more.

Farmers demand government procurement, modern storage facilities, easy agricultural loans and effective measures to control intermediaries in the market.