Bengal to become self-reliant in onion production in five years

Kolkata, Oct 17: Within the next five years, Bengal would become self-reliant in the production of onion. This is the result of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s special attention on the agriculture sector, one of the results of which is the state winning the Krishi Karman award given by the Central Government six years in a row. From 20 per cent in 2011, the State Government now produces as much as 55 per cent, or 5.5 lakh metric tonne annually, of the domestic demand, according to the vice-chairman of West Bengal Agro Industries Corporation (WBAIC). The State Government is conducting awareness workshops with experts to encourage farmers to also plant onion crops. The state has been categorised based on the three components of soil condition, climatic condition and facilities for irrigation to cultivate the right crop at the right place so that farmers get worth of their hard labour. The Pashimanchal area, comprising Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum and Bardhaman districts, produces most of the onion crops. Onion is cultivated twice a year – during the rainy season and during winter. UNI