KHYBER: Farmers in Jamrud, Landi Kotal and Bara tehsils here have claimed to have a bumper onion crop and multiplied earnings and attributed the success to the use of quality seed and better crop management.

They told Dawn that onion seeds of Swat 1 variety, which was provided to them by the agriculture department, proved to be a huge success for them as it gave them excellent produce while also earning them comparatively better profits from the vegetable markets both in Khyber and Peshawar districts.

Ahmad Shah, a farmer from Jamrud, said that his experience with cultivation of the new onion variety was extremely successful as he had a bumper harvest from his two acres of cultivable land.

“Two acres of onion crop gave me over 300 mounds [around 15,000kg) of the onion produce, which has so far been the largest from my farms,” he said jubilantly.

Attribute success to use of quality seed, better crop management

Mohibullah, another grower, pointed out thatthe onion crop had helped his family make extra profit, addressing their financial issues.

He said that not only was the size of the onion of the new variety larger than the normal one sold on the market but its taste was also pleasant and unique.

An official from the agriculture department Abid Shah told Dawn that the experiment with Swat-1 seed over a cumulative 230 acres of land in the first year was a success as it not only multiplied the union produce during the last couple of years but had also helped local farmers earn extra profits.

He said that the experience was so successful that local farmers even cultivated onions on small plots of even 10 to 15 Marla measurements and they had good onion production with application of modern cultivation techniques.

The official pointed out that his department arranged regular training programmes for farmers about the possible crop diseases along with appropriate sowing and harvesting timings coupled with timely irrigation of the crop.

He said that the new onion type could last for a longer period if properly stored at homes at a required but natural temperature which was beneficial both for farmers and the domestic consumers.

“Fungus attack and excess irrigation would always damage the union crop in previous years when the new variety was not introduced while local farmers were also not used to modern farming techniques,” he said.

The official pointed out that the use of certified seeds and enhanced awareness among local farmers had made the experience a huge success.

Meanwhile, the planning and development department has initiated the registration of farmers in Baraunder area here its Rural Economic Transformation Project to promote agricultural activities and make the local farmers financially self-sufficient.

Officials said that a number of registration points had been established to register the maximum number of local farmers.

They urged growers to take advantage of the “golden opportunity” to get maximum benefits of the official support and assistance.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2025