In Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, approximately 40,000 tonnes of onion are currently stored at the farmers' level. This storage strategy is adopted by the district's farmers, particularly in the villages of Badapara, Jalsuka, and Khulumbaria, as a response to the crop's increasing demand. Farmers have retained 25% to 30% of their harvested onions, viewing them as a financial reserve for future needs.
During a visit, it was observed that some households were engaged in sorting the onions, separating the spoiled from the good, in preparation for future sales. There is an anticipation among some farmers that the stored quantity might reach 50,000 tonnes, planning to sell these alongside the newly harvested 'murikata' onions at favorable market prices.
The current market rate for onions stands at Tk4,000 per maund (approximately 40 kilograms). Farmers have expressed that their intention is not to create an artificial scarcity but to have a financial safety net. They consider the onion as a liquid asset, easily convertible into cash at local or upazila level markets whenever financial needs arise.
Wholesalers have noted that a significant portion of the onions, about 85%, is distributed to the Khulna market, with the remainder sent to Faridpur, Barishal, and other regions. The storage capacity at the farmer level in Shailkupa is estimated to suffice for the next three to four months' demand.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Jhenaidah reported that onion production in the last season reached 2,04,000 tonnes across various upazilas, with Shailkupa contributing the majority. An assessment by the DAE Deputy Director's office indicated that around 39,000 tonnes of onions are currently stored by farmers, which is expected to meet the local demand until the next harvest. The annual onion demand in Bangladesh is between 27-28 lakh tonnes, with 65-70% sourced from local production and the remainder through imports.
Source: Daily Sun