Farmers in Tikapur expand onion cultivation in Karnali’s bagar

Kailali: Farmers in Arunaphanta, Tikapur-8, Kailali have been cultivating onions in the bagar (floodplain) of the Karnali River, with nearly 50 farmers engaged in production this year.

While some farmers have been growing onions on the riverbanks for the past three years, locals say this year has seen a significant increase in participation. Farmers claim that onion yields are better in sandy soil than in traditional farmlands, leading to a growing trend of bagar farming.

Success in Onion Cultivation
Local farmer Sahi Bahadur Chaudhary, who has been cultivating onions in the bagar for three years, planted 86 kg of onion seeds this year. Reflecting on previous years, he noted, "Last year, I harvested three quintals from just 20 kg of seeds. The first year, I produced five quintals from 13 kg." This year, he has cultivated onions in two and a half katthas of land.

"Initially, only a few of us farmed here, but now the entire village is engaged in onion cultivation," Chaudhary added. He explained that irrigation is required only in the early stages, after which the crop requires minimal maintenance.

Growing Interest Among Farmers
Local farmer Ramdulari Chaudhary reported a higher yield last year from planting 6 kg of onion seeds, prompting her to expand cultivation to 16 kg this season. "Last year, I sold 20 kg per quintal and shared the rest with family," she said.

Farmers noted that onions grown in sandy soil develop larger bulbs, with just 5-6 bulbs making up a kilogram. Since water from the Karnali River is readily available, irrigation is not a major concern. However, in the early stages, they irrigate up to three times a day as sand dries up quickly.

Inspired by the success of onion farming in the area, Hikmat Thakulla, another farmer from Tikapur-8, has started cultivation in the bagar for the first time, planting 16 kg of onions. "I saw other farmers succeeding, so I decided to try it myself. I have other farmlands, but onions thrive better here," he said.

Expert Observations and Future Potential
Lalbir Chaudhary, head of the agriculture department of Janaki Rural Municipality, acknowledged that the loose, sandy soil in the bagar might be contributing to the high yields, though the municipality does not officially recommend farming in the floodplain.

Local social worker Sher Bahadur Saud noted that the success of onion farming in the bagar has drawn interest from farmers in other areas, who visit regularly to observe the cultivation process. "If this success continues, the Karnali’s bagar will no longer remain empty during winter," he said.

With positive results, farmers from Tikapur Municipality’s Wards 5, 6, and 7 may soon have the opportunity to expand onion farming in the region.