A growing number of farmers are getting involved in sunflower cultivation in Dinajpur's Ghoraghat upazila as it is more profitable than rice and vegetables and requires less irrigation.
They are hoping for a satisfactory output as the weather conditions are favourable this year. Besides, necessary fertilisers and seeds were distributed among farmers through agricultural incentives in the current season. Currently, sunflowers are blooming in fields creating a heavenly scenario in the rural areas.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Officers’ office sources, a total of 80 farmers from 4 unions and one municipality of the upazila were given the incentives for sunflower cultivation aiming to produce oil. Along with this, the officials of the local agriculture office are regularly inspecting the sunflower cultivation fields and advising the growers.
This year, the agriculture department has set a target of 18 to 20 tons of sunflower seed production on 10 hectares of land which is likely to benefit the farmers greatly and put smiles on their faces.
Local farmers say that sunflower cultivation can increase further if more oil production factory is built in the upazila.
A farmer of the municipality, Farooq Hossain said usually farmers cultivate rice, wheat and other crops throughout the year and do not give attention to sunflower cultivation. “This year, due to providing incentives from the agriculture office, the interest in sunflower cultivation has increased among many farmers.”
In this regard, the Upazila Agriculture Officer Rafikuzzaman said that sunflower cultivation is more profitable than rice and vegetables because it requires less irrigation and attracts less disease. “Sunflower will play a very important role in meeting our growing oil demand. Apart from making oil, Sunflowers can also be used as fish food and tree fuel. Every part of Sunflower plants is useful. Besides, Sunflower oil is gaining popularity day by day as cooking oil as it reduces the risk of heart disease.