Patuakhali: As a cash crop, sunflower cultivation is becoming popular day by day in Patuakhali as farmers are getting more benefits from farming this crop. In addition to production of edible oil, the versatile use of sunflower as animal feed, bird food, biofertilizer, cosmetic ingredient and commercial flower have increased the interest of farmers and the general people about this crop.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Patuakhali set a target for sunflower cultivation this season at 2,333 hectares. However, due to the high interest of farmers, the target was exceeded with cultivation of this crop on 3,512 hectares. High-quality edible oil is produced from sunflower seeds. After oil extraction, the husk is used as nutritious food for cattle. Dried stems and leaves are used to make organic fertilizer. Sunflower flowers have also created new possibilities as a tourist attraction in many areas.
Md Saiful Islam, a farmer from Satani village in Dumki upazila of Patuakhali, remarked on the economic benefits of sunflower farming, comparing it favorably to rice cultivation due to lower costs and fewer diseases. Mehedi Hasan, another farmer from Madanpura village in Baufal upazila, highlighted the evolving perception of sunflower, which is now valued not just for its flowers but also as a profitable crop for oil, seeds, and cattle feed. He stressed the need for local oil processing systems to boost profitability further.
Meanwhile, the sunflower fields have become a local tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are captivated by the vibrant yellow blooms. Rabeya Khatun, a tourist from Barishal, expressed her admiration for the beauty and versatility of sunflowers, noting their various uses beyond aesthetics. Al Rafi, another visitor, emphasized the dual benefits of increased farmer income and the promotion of nature-based tourism, suggesting that planned promotion could unlock significant agro-based tourism potential.
The future of sunflower cultivation looks promising due to its multiple uses, the demand for healthy oil, and comparatively low cultivation costs. Enhanced facilities for oil processing, storage, and marketing could solidify sunflower as a lucrative option for Patuakhali farmers. Dr Md Amanul Islam, Deputy Director at DAE Patuakhali district office, noted the significant overachievement in cultivation targets and described sunflower as a potential cash crop that is increasingly being integrated into local diets due to its health benefits.
Dr Amanul further pointed out the untapped potential in the coastal region for cultivating alternative crops like sunflower during the Robi season, given its low production costs. This versatile crop’s ability to provide high-quality edible oil and nutritious cattle feed positions it as a key agricultural product for the future.