Faridpur’s onion seed farmers are heading toward a large harvest that could be worth about Tk550 crore, as the district’s famous “black gold” fields spread across the area and draw strong demand from buyers across Bangladesh. Farmers and local agriculture officials expect production to reach nearly 1,100 tonnes, a sign that the district remains one of the country’s most important onion seed hubs. Faridpur is known for producing around 70 per cent of the nation’s onion seeds, and its seeds are valued for their quality and steady market demand. The crop is not easy to grow, though, and many farmers say the work has become harder because bee numbers have dropped, forcing them to do pollination by hand. In fields such as Gobindapur village, workers carefully move pollen from flower to flower, a slow job that needs patience, skill, and long hours. Some labourers say the work is tiring, but the income helps support their families. Farmers also say the low rainfall has helped improve seed quality, even as the cost of production remains high. One experienced grower said she has planted nearly 100 acres and hopes to harvest around 40 tonnes of seed, which could bring her a market value of about Tk5 crore. That kind of return shows why many local growers continue to stay with the crop despite the risk and effort involved. The total area under onion seed cultivation in Faridpur has also slightly crossed the target set by the agriculture office, with nearly 1,865 hectares planted instead of the planned 1,850 hectares. Most of this production is centered in Gobindapur, where the crop has become a major source of income and local pride. Last year’s market price was about Tk5,000 per kilogram, and many farmers expect a similar level this time. Local producers say Faridpur seeds are trusted because of their superior quality, and buyers from other parts of the country often come directly to the district to collect them. Officials say the district’s crop could help the wider farm economy if the harvest stays strong. They are giving farmers technical support and checking seed quality to help protect the crop and improve results. The fields have also become a place of interest for visitors, who come to see the white flowers that cover the land like a bright seasonal carpet. For many people in Faridpur, onion seed farming is more than a business. It is a skilled rural trade that brings income, supports workers, and adds real value to the country’s agriculture.
