New low-power storage method can preserve onions for 3 months: Agri minister

The government has introduced a new, low-power method for storing onions that can preserve the crop for up to three months, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said today (31 March).

"The storage technology has already been distributed among 68 farmers," he made the remarks in parliament while responding to a question from Madaripur-3 Member of Parliament Anisur Rahman.

Amin Ur Rashid, who also serves as the fisheries and livestock minister, said that it has generated significant interest at the field level.

He further noted that discussions have been held at the agriculture ministry to expand the use of the technology. If scaled up, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and ease storage-related challenges faced by farmers.

Fertiliser supply to remain stable till mid-year

Responding to a question from the independent MP of Brahmanbaria-2, Rumeen Farhana, the minister said the existing stock of fertiliser, particularly urea, would be adequate until June-July.

He noted that Bangladesh imports fertiliser from countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia to meet additional demand, adding that a delegation has already been sent to Qatar for this purpose.

Despite ongoing global uncertainties and conflict, the minister said the government remains hopeful about securing fertiliser shipments and is taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Farmer card to ensure direct distribution of inputs

The minister also said the government plans to provide fertiliser, seeds and other agricultural inputs directly to landless, marginal and small farmers through a "farmer card" system.

Under the initiative, each farmer will receive subsidies worth Tk2,500 for fertiliser, seeds and other agricultural inputs.

The programme is currently at a pre-piloting stage and aims to improve food security, enhance farmers' livelihoods and support agricultural production.

He added that under the agricultural rehabilitation and incentive programme, farmers are already receiving free seeds, fertiliser, pesticides and other inputs. In the current 2025-26 fiscal year, Tk401.6 crore has been released out of a total allocation of Tk700 crore, benefiting over 25.2 lakh farmers.

The minister also said the government has waived agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 per farmer, at a cost of Tk1,550 crore, benefiting around 12 lakh farmers.

To support production, the government has provided subsidies across fertiliser, irrigation, electricity and other sectors, while continuing to expand storage infrastructure, including mini cold storages and model facilities for potatoes and onions.