Photo: TDM
Along the national highway in Tentulia, Panchagarh, a breathtaking sight of mesmerizing yellow sunflowers amidst the lush green leaves has become a popular attraction for tourists and nature lovers. Spanning across fifty decimals of land near Banglabandha-Panchgarh Asian Highway roadsides, the sunflower plantation has become a new tourist spot in Tentulia.
The initiative was taken by Afzal Hossain, a local farmer, who cultivated sunflowers for the first time in his land on the advice of the Agricultural Extension Office.
Afzal Hossain expressed his excitement about the good yield and the increasing interest of local farmers in sunflower cultivation. He also highlighted the potential of tourism in the area, as visitors from different parts of the country, including families, friends, newlyweds, and students, flock to the sunflower garden to enjoy its beauty and take pictures.
Afzal now plans to expand his sunflower cultivation to more land in the coming year, and he also has plans to plant alternative flowers besides the sunflowers.
Sunflower cultivation has been on the rise in Tentulia, with two hectares of land currently dedicated to it. Upazila Agriculture Officer Jahangir Alam emphasized that sunflower cultivation is easy and can be a profitable venture for farmers, as sunflower seeds contain a high percentage (40-45 per cent) of oil, which can be extracted and used for various purposes, including cooking and medicinal benefits.
He further stated that sunflower oil has a high demand in the international market, and promoting sunflower cultivation can save foreign exchange and create job opportunities.
Apart from the economic benefits, the sunflower garden has also become a popular tourist attraction in Tentulia, drawing visitors throughout the year, especially during Eid holidays.
Alam encouraged and advised local farmers to embrace sunflower cultivation, considering its potential for economic gains and tourism development in the region.
The sunflower garden along the highway in Tentulia stands as a testament to the natural beauty and economic opportunities that sunflower cultivation can bring, spreading joy and inspiration to visitors and farmers alike.
TDM/MI
