Photo: BSS

NARAIL, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - Sunflower cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity in three upazilas of Narail as farmers are benefiting for  high-yield and low-cost crops.  

Rising edible oil prices are motivating farmers to turn to sunflower as an alternative source of income, according to local agriculture officials.

The vibrant yellow sunflower fields of Chanchra village in Tularampur union of Sadar upazila have become a visual delight for visitors. 

Hundreds flock daily to witness the sprawling sunflower gardens, while young people often visit in the afternoons to stroll through the colorful fields.

 In some areas, small entertainment spots have been set up to accommodate the visitors.

Nipu Majumdar, Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer of the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), reported that sunflower cultivation has expanded to 191 hectares across the three upazilas. Sadar upazila accounts for 78 hectares, Lohagara upazila 58 hectares and Kalia upazila 55 hectares. 

The district’s total production target has been set at 443 metric tons. This year, sunflower cultivation has increased by 81 hectares compared to last year, with hopes for further expansion next year.

Local farmers expressed optimism about the crop. Abdullah Molya of Gabtala village said, “I have cultivated sunflowers on 30 decimal of my land.

 Judging by the flowers, I expect a good yield. Sunflower oil is delicious, and planting seeds in rows with ropes improves the harvest.” 

Shahidullah, another farmer from Chanchra, shared, “I have grown sunflowers on 12 decimal of my land for the first time. The Agriculture Office provided seeds and fertilizer incentives, and the yield has been very good. We can now meet our own edible oil needs locally and sell the surplus in the market.”

Tularampur union deputy assistant agriculture officer Rajib Biswas said “Sunflower cultivation in Tularampur union has doubled compared to last year.”

 Farmers’ interest is increasing due to the high price of sunflower oil, he said adding regular guidance and monitoring are being provided, along with fertilizers and seeds under the government incentive programme.”

High-yielding varieties such as Bari Suryajmukhi-3 and hybrid Haisan-36 have been cultivated more this year. Sunflower oil is known to reduce heart disease risk and cholesterol while enhancing cooking flavor, further motivating farmers, he said.

Md. Rokanuzzaman, Agriculture Officer of Sadar upazila said “Sunflower is an important oil crop, and its cultivation is expanding across the district.

Farmers have received free seeds and fertilizers as incentives, and current field conditions indicate a bumper harvest this year, he added. 

“We hope this will encourage more farmers to take up sunflower cultivation in the future,” the agriculture officer added.