Over 3,700 acres of sunflower to expand in next winter cultivating season

A total of 3,770 acres of sunflower plantation will be expanded in the next winter cultivation season in Toungoo Township, Bago Region, according to the Township Agriculture Department.
The farmers from 31 villages from 15 village-tracts cultivated 10 acres of sunflower plantation and 178.5 acres of sunflower planted in black bean plantation for sufficient domestic consumption. Consequently, they have yielded about 20 baskets per acre.
“Last year, when we ground four baskets of ordinary sunflower seeds, it produced only 10 visses of sunflower oil. This year, we have cultivated Hsin Shwe Kyar-2 sunflower species on a trial basis. When we ground three baskets, it can produce about 10 visses, which is more convenient for local farmers. Therefore, we have planned to expand this high yield of sunflower plantation in the next cold season,” said U Tun Ka, a sunflower grower from DoInn village.
Under the regional government programme, the Agriculture Department freely distributed 357 acres of Hsinshwe kyar-2 sunflower species to 206 local farmers. The government authorities are also making arrangements for farmers to buy fertilizers at the same price as the factory price.
Besides, Township Agriculture Department is making effort to grow about 10 acres of sunflower seeds in next May and July in DoInn village. Next winter season. About 3,770 acres of sunflower plantation will be expended in 50 villages, 22 village-tracts. Toungoo township cultivated about 13,316 acres of edible oil crops including sunflower depending on the soil land to ensure sufficient domestic consumption, said U Naing Min Hlaing, agriculture manager in Township Agriculture Department. — Zaw Htet (Taungoo District IPRD)/GNLM