DOTI, April 7: Farmers' attraction towards onion farming has been on the rise in Doti district in recent years. The number of farmers growing onions has increased, thanks to the government subsidy and market prospects.

Sakram Mahara, a farmer from Shikhar Municipality-3 in the district, is growing onions on his 20-ropani farm in the Tulsi Ganyani area this year. The 61-year-old farmer expanded the farmland from last year's eight ropanis to 20 ropanis this year.

Mahara said that he expanded his farming this year after getting pipes for irrigation supplies and improved seeds from the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Doti.

The price of onions fluctuates in the market but he earns up to Rs 80 per kilogram during the off-season.

He, however, complained that the farmers have to face more troubles in selling onions than its production. "Much of the product is wasted for the lack of a storage facility," he added.

Mahara is producing onion seeds from this year.     

Likewise, Yam Bam of Bogatan Rural Municipality-1 in the district is growing onions in 10-ropani farmland by registering Usha Multipurpose Agriculture and Livestock Farm. A commercial farmer, Bam is preparing to grow onions in 40-ropani farmland soon. 

Furthermore, Dhruba Malasi of Pantola village in Dipayal Silgadhi Municipality-2 told the RSS that he has grown onions in his six-ropani farm stating that this business could be a good source of income for him.

Acting Chief of Agriculture Knowledge Center, Doti, Ganga Dutta Awasthi said the onion farming done by Mahara is an example in the hilly districts of the Sudurpaschim Province.

Awasthi stated that the Center is also working to ensure a reliable supply chain through coordination with the traders. 

Experts argue that the promotion of onion farming in the country could be a viable tool for the engagement of youth, leading to import substitution of onions as Nepal is spending billions of rupees every year and is heavily dependent on imported onions.

 
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