Abu Taleb's Onion Seed Farm

About

Abu Taleb (40) of Hogla village, Jagannathpur union, Kumarkhali upazila, Kushtia, is known across the district as a successful onion seed producer. In 2003 he started growing spice crops and seed on just 16 decimals on his own; he now farms about 20 bighas, 12 of them under onion seed. Each bigha yields 2.5 to 3 maunds of seed, so 12 bighas give about 30 to 36 maunds, worth Tk 28 to 36 lakh at market prices. Land lease, seed, pesticide and care cost Tk 40,000 to 55,000 per bigha, Tk 5 to 7 lakh for the 12 bighas; in his own words about Tk 25 lakh a year remains after costs. To keep yield and seed quality high he irrigates and places bee boxes in the field to pollinate the onion flowers. He gets support from the upazila agriculture office, whose officer says many farmers have taken up seed growing after seeing his success.

Products and services

• Onion seed

  Tk 80,000–1,00,000 / maund

  2.5–3 maunds per bigha; the report puts the selling price at about Tk 80,000 to 1 lakh per maund

• Spice crops

Prices as given by the owner; ask before you buy.

Address and hours