Photo: BSS

TANGAIL, Feb 7, 2026 (BSS) - Gold medal-winning agricultural entrepreneur Shanowar Hossain has achieved remarkable success in sunflower cultivation in Madhupur upazila of the district opening up new possibilities for oilseed production in the region.

Shanowar Hossain’s sunflower garden, developed on hilly red soil terrain, has not only enhanced the area’s natural beauty but also demonstrated the potential of sunflower as a profitable and sustainable crop. His success has drawn widespread attention from farmers, students and agricultural officials.

Previously, Shanowar gained recognition for successful fish farming and for cultivating crops such as cashew nuts, pineapples, dragon fruit, malta, coffee and medicinal Rosella tea in Madhupur’s challenging soil conditions. In recognition of his innovative contributions and use of modern agricultural technology, he received the Agriculture Gold Medal in 2024.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Department, sunflower cultivation has expanded in Madhupur this season under government agricultural incentive programs. Favorable weather conditions have contributed to high yields, similar to last year. Officials believe that sunflower cultivation can help meet the growing demand for edible oil amid rising market prices.

This year, sunflowers have been cultivated on 48 hectares of land in Madhupur, compared to 18 hectares last year. Production has increased significantly, reflecting growing farmer interest due to low cultivation costs and high profitability.

Shanowar Hossain’s sunflower field, located in the hilly area of Mahishmara village under Mahishmara union, is now covered with vibrant yellow flowers. The scenic landscape attracts visitors daily, including farmers eager to learn about cultivation techniques, fertilizer management and pest control. Shanowar personally advises and motivates them to adopt sunflower farming.

Speaking to BSS, Shanowar Hossain said that he cultivated the BARI-3 hybrid sunflower variety on two bighas of land this year and achieved excellent yields.

“Sunflower takes less time to grow and requires less water compared to rice and other traditional crops. Fertilizer and pesticide use is also limited, which reduces production costs. The profit margin is much higher,” he said.

He added that sunflower oil contains important nutrients such as Omega-6, Omega-9, oleic acid, vitamin E and vitamin K, making it healthier than mustard and soybean oil. Due to its nutritional value, demand for sunflower oil is increasing steadily.

Madhupur Upazila Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Ershad Ali said sunflower is a low-cost, high-profit crop and farmers’ interest is rising rapidly due to good yields this year. He expressed optimism that sunflower cultivation would expand further in Mahishmara union in the future.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Rakib Al Rana described sunflower as a profitable and promising oilseed crop. He said the success of Shanowar Hossain would serve as a model for local farmers and play a vital role in increasing domestic oilseed production.

“If sunflower cultivation is expanded further, it will help reduce dependence on imported edible oil and significantly increase farmers’ income,” he added.