Sunflower farming gaining popularity

FARIDPUR, Feb 01: Sunflower cultivation is gaining popularity in the district among the farmers for high profit.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Faridpur sources said more than 100 farmers are engaged with sunflower farming in the district.
Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) provided quality seeds among the growers.
Farmer Jewel Malik said sunflower farming requires low production cost.
"It gives more oil than other oil seeds like mustard and sesame. I expect an abundant yield this season."
Seeds are sown in a row in the first week of November. Crop can be harvested within 90 to 100 days of cultivation, the grower added.
A farmer has to spend around Tk 40,000 to Tk 45,000 to grow the crop on one acre of land and he can make a profit of Tk 80,000 to Tk 90,000. Moreover, sunflower plants can also be used as fuel, the grower further said.
Faridpur BADC Deputy Director Mahmudul Islam Khan Zia said a good number of people have shown interest in growing sunflowers on their field for high market demand for sunflower oil.