The field day on Big Onion True Seed Production was held on 27th March 2025, Thursday, at Poosariyarkulam in the Iranaiiluppaikulam Agricultural Instructor’s Range of Mannar District. “The event was held at 10:00am and was led by Mrs. Priyatharsini Ramanendran, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mannar.
Distinguished guests, including the following, attended the event, Mrs. S. Senthilkumaran Provincial Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, Mr. K. Bede Nijaharan, Divisional Secretary of Madhu, Mr.B.I.Hettiarachchi, Assistant Director of Agriculture (Research), the Onion Breeder, Mr.S.Thileepkumar, Assistant Director, Agricultural Insurance Board, Subject Mater Officers , Agricultural Instructors, Technical Assistants, officers from the Provincial Department of Agricultural Office, Officials from Other Departmental officers, Members of Local Community Organization and farmers.
In her opening address, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mannar mentioned that although the climate and soil conditions in Mannar District are suitable for onion cultivation, both small and big onion cultivation have been carried out on a very limited extent. As a result, the district is unable to meet its onion requirements and has to rely on other districts, provinces, or imports to fulfill the demand. She emphasized the need to expand onion cultivation so that the district can meet its own requirements and reduce reliance on outside sources in the future.
The Provincial Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, who was present as a guest, expressed that when the Big Onion True Seed Production is successfully implemented, it becomes a profitable activity in a short period of time. She further mentioned that the department plans to purchase properly produced Big Onion true seeds from farmers and distribute them to other farmers interested in onion cultivation on a subsidy basis.
The Madu Divisional Secretary, who also attended the event, pointed out that the import of Big Onions plays a significant role in the country’s foreign exchange expenditure. Therefore, he stressed the need to increase the area under Big Onion cultivation in Mannar District.
The event was excellently organized and conducted by the Agricultural Instructor of Iranaiiluppaikulam, Mr. S. Sivaram.
