Farmers in Natore made a profit from onion cultivation last year and so their interest in onion farming has increased. Last year, onion was produced on 3,380 hectares of land and this year, target has been set for cultivation over 3,550 hectares. But to prevent pest attacks farmers have rooted out weeds and for better production, many have used salt on the land. Cheap salt sold in the open market is being used, though agriculture specialists say that using salt in such a way is not scientific.
As a result, the fertility of the land may suffer long term damage. But farmers believe that once salt is applied, production will increase.
A local pesticide seller said: “Many farmers have been using salt in onion cultivation for 15-20 years and they are not listening to the warnings by the agriculture department; they believe that salt can be used as an alternative to Urea and Potash. The local belief is that by using salt, the onion seeds will be made fresh and insects will be killed, ensuring bumper production.”
Upazila agriculture official, Amirul Islam, observed: “The application of salt on land does great harm and steps should be taken to stop it.”
Deputy director of Natore Agriculture Extension, Subrata Kumar adds: “There is no scientific basis for using sodium chloride; potassium gypsum and other chemicals should be used; if farmers use salt then the soil will become infertile.”
A meeting will be held with farmers on Nov 26 and 27 to discuss the matter and efforts made to persuade them to stop the use of salt, he says.