Sunflower is a potential crop for oil production. The Department of Agricultural Extension is not reducing efforts to expand the cultivation of this crop. Despite that, this crop is cultivated very little in Chatmohar, Pabna. Currently, the farmer's sunflower field is full of flowers. The smile of sunflower behind the green leaves attracts nature lovers. Some are taking selfies, others are taking pictures while standing next to sunflowers. Every day, people come from far and wide to Bhadra village of Mathurapur union of upazila to observe this natural beauty. They are fascinated by the smile of sunflowers among the green leaves.
Tushar Bhattracharya, from Jaleshwar village in Gunaigacha union of the upazila, came from a distance of about seven kilometers to Bhadra village on Friday afternoon to see the sunflower flowers. He said, hearing from friends, I could not handle the greed and came to see the sunflowers. I was satisfied to see the yellow Manlova flower of the sunflower.
Shafiqul Islam, a sunflower farmer of Bhadra village, said that this year he cultivated sunflowers on more than one and a half bigha land for the first time. Agriculture office has provided fertilizer seeds in official manner. He also gave money for cultivation and irrigation. The Agriculture Office is always watching. The flowers are quite large. He expects a yield of 6 to 7 maunds per bigha.
Abdul Hamid, another sunflower grower of the same village, said that last year he cultivated sunflowers on about two bigha of land. The yield was about 6 maunds per bigha. He cultivated sunflower this time too. About adversity, he said, people come to see and tear the flowers. After flowering many times need to be given. He also said that farmers will benefit if they grow sunflowers.
According to the sources of Chatmohar Agriculture Office, sunflower cultivation has been done in 15 bighas of land in Chatmohar this season. Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Saidur Rahman said, we are closely monitoring. I gave the necessary advice to the farmer at the required time.
Chatmohar Upazila Agriculture Officer AA Masum Billah said that the average yield per hectare of sunflower cultivation is about 1.8 metric tons. Market value of sunflower is always higher than that of mustard. Sunflower seeds yield high quality oil which is very beneficial. Sunflower husk is considered as good fodder for cattle. After collecting the seeds, the tree can also be dried and used as fuel. To meet the demand for edible oil, we are encouraging farmers to cultivate sunflower. Farmers are also benefiting from sunflower cultivation.
