MORRELGANJ, BAGERHAT, Apr 10: Fields across Morrelganj Upazila in Bagerhat District are glowing with the golden smile of sunflowers as farmers reap the benefits of bumper yields this season.
With favourable weather and the use of fallow land after paddy harvests, growers are seeing higher profits and renewed hope.
According to the local agriculture office, sunflowers have been cultivated on 135 hectares of land this year. Vast stretches of farmland in villages such as Kathaltala along the Panguchi River have turned into vibrant fields, attracting hundreds of visitors daily.
Farmers say the crop has brought them both beauty and profit. Monir Molla, who cultivated sunflowers on 4.5 decimals of land, said he received free seeds and fertiliser from the agriculture office. Despite spending Tk 3,000 on labour and pesticides, he expects to harvest around three maunds of seeds worth Tk 12,600. With sunflower oil selling at over Tk 300 per litre, he hopes to meet his family's needs and sell the surplus in the market.
Other farmers, including Rahman Hawlader, Sagir Gharami, Altaf Sheikh, Khalek Sheikh, Zakir Gharami, Chan Majhi and Maharaj Khan, have also cultivated sunflowers on varying plots of land, ranging from 10 decimals to two bighas. They believe the crop could become a profitable alternative to soybean oil, often criticised for adulteration.
Agriculture officials confirmed that sunflower cultivation has expanded across unions such as Bolibunia, Khawlia, Putikhali, Nishanbaria, Panchakaran, Hoglabunia, Daibagnyahati, Baraikhali and Chingrakhali. Farmers say if yields remain consistent, sunflower could become a sustainable source of edible oil and income in the region.
