Farmers in Kuakata upazila of Patuakhali have received a bumper yield of Sunflower this time. As a result, a strong interest is growing among local sunflower farmers day by day.
The farmers as well the Upazila Agriculture Officer are saying that such yield was possible in the coastal areas as the soil and weather was favorable.
Now as the harvest season is underway farmers are having a busy time. The farmers are working relentlessly in the field from morning till evening. Some are harvesting, some are saving the seeds while some others are cutting down the trees for use as fuel.
Farmers are relieved to be able to harvest at the right time and take it home. This time there has been no storm or heavy rain so far and no damage has been done to the trees and crops, said the local farmers. However, they alleged that their cost was high due to lack of water.
Farmers are showing interest in sunflower farming as it takes less money and time to cultivate. Sunflower oil produced here will help meet local demand, said locals.
According to the Kalapara Upazila office of Department of Agricultural Extension, sunflower has been cultivated on 450 hectors of land in different unions including Nilganj, Mahipur and Latachapali of Kalapara this year. They are hoping that the farmers will get profit as there is a huge demand and desired price in the market.
According to the farmers, the yield of sunflower is 2 tonnes per hector of land and it provides about 10 mounds of oil. The oil is sold in the market at around Tk 200-240 per kg while seeds are sold at Tk 50-60 per kg.
Under the direction of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Patuakhali, with the financial support of ACIA and KGF, BARI Suryamukhi 2 and Bari Suryamukhi 3 varieties of seeds and technical assistance are being provided to the rural farmers free of cost.
Nazrul Islam of Kumirmara village in Nilganj union said, "This is the first time we have cultivated sunflower. The yield has been very good. We hope to reap good benefits. This time 4 people including me have cultivated sunflower on one acre of land.
Matiur Rahman, a farmer of Thanjupara village under Latachapli Union said that last year he cultivated sunflower on only 20 decimal of land whereas, this year he has cultivated it on 40 decimal of land. Last year he received a profit and hopes to get profits this year too.
Shahidul Islam, PSO of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute said they have distributed free seeds and pesticides among farmers and helping them with advice all the time. Farmers are cultivating sunflower with interest, he added.
In this regard, Kalapara Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Mannan said, "Apart from us, local non-governmental organizations are encouraging and cooperating in the cultivation of sunflower among the marginal farmers. As a result, sunflower has been planted on 450 hectors of land in this upazila this year.