As bee populations decline in Faridpur, farmers turn to labour-intensive hand pollination to sustain onion seed yields, increasing costs and exposing growing risks to agriculture, biodiversity and food security.
Farmers in Faridpur district, Bangladesh’s leading onion seed-producing hub, are increasingly resorting to hand pollination due to a sharp decline in bee populations, raising concerns over rising costs and long-term sustainability even as the region anticipates a bumper harvest.
Despite these challenges, onion seed production, locally known as “black gold,” is expected to reach nearly 1,100 tonnes this season, with an estimated market value of around Tk550 crore. Faridpur district accounts for roughly 70 per cent of the country’s total onion seed output, making it a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s agricultural economy.
But the cultivation process is becoming more difficult.
“We used to rely on bees for pollination, but now we have to do it ourselves,” said Rafiqul, a farm worker in Gobindapur village. “It’s very delicate work. We transfer pollen by hand from one flower to another. It takes time and it is exhausting.”
Across the fields, men and women can be seen carefully brushing pollen between tiny white blossoms, an intricate and labour-intensive process that requires patience and precision. While this has created seasonal employment opportunities, with workers earning between Tk25,000 and Tk30,000 per month, it has significantly increased production costs for farmers.
Scientists worldwide have warned of declining bee populations due to climate change, pesticide use and habitat loss. Bees and other pollinators are responsible for nearly 75 per cent of global food crop pollination, making their loss a growing threat to agricultural systems.
Even so, farmers in Faridpur district remain optimistic. Lower-than-average rainfall this season has improved seed quality, boosting expectations of a record harvest.
Veteran farmer Sahida Begum, who has over a decade of experience in onion seed cultivation, has planted nearly 100 acres this year. She expects to harvest around 40 tonnes of seeds, which could fetch up to Tk5 crore in the market.
“Seed farming is risky and expensive, but the demand is always high,” she said. “If the weather holds, the returns can be very good.”
The total area under onion seed cultivation in Faridpur district has slightly exceeded official targets, reaching about 1,865 hectares. Officials say continued technical support, from guidance to seed quality checks, has helped farmers maintain high standards.
However, producers are calling for stronger policy support. Some farmers have urged the government to regulate the import of low-quality seeds, arguing that it undermines domestic production and affects prices.
Around 70 per cent of the seeds produced in Faridpur district are expected to supply markets nationwide, while the remaining portion will meet local demand. If projections are realised, the harvest could deliver a significant boost to Bangladesh’s agricultural economy.
However, experts warn that without urgent measures to protect pollinators, farmers may face even higher costs and potential yield risks in the years ahead, highlighting a deeper environmental challenge behind this season’s promising bloom.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “Bees are vital not just for onions, but for the entire food system. Protecting pollinators is critical for sustaining livelihoods, maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Local and national efforts to conserve their habitats must be urgently scaled up before it’s too late.”
