The midseason indigenous big onion cultivation in Matale district has seen remarkable success, with farmers like Sudath Dinesh Gunathilaka from Ussana irrigation colony in Dewahuwa area reporting significant earnings. Despite utilizing only a fraction of land for cultivation, Gunathilaka managed to generate over Rs. 8 million in revenue, highlighting the potential of this crop. However, farmers express concerns over the lack of basic facilities provided by authorities, hindering the sector’s growth. In the past, neglect from authorities led to a decline in indigenous big onion cultivation, but recent efforts have revitalized the industry. Gunathilaka emphasizes that with proper support from the Government, Matale could easily meet a significant portion of the country’s annual big onion demand.
The Matale district’s success in midseason big onion cultivation is a testament to its potential, but challenges persist due to inadequate support from authorities. While farmers like Gunathilaka demonstrate the profitability of this venture, there’s a call for essential facilities and government assistance to sustain and expand this promising sector. With the right support, Matale has the capacity to substantially contribute to the country’s big onion requirements, signaling a positive outlook for local agriculture and economic growth.