Sunflower cultivation in Narail sadar upazila has increased to 78 hectares this season from 55 hectares a year earlier, as farmers respond to higher edible oil prices and seek better returns from oilseed farming.
Officials at the local agriculture office said the crop is gaining traction as a profitable alternative to mustard, particularly amid rising input costs and volatility in the edible oil market.
In Chanchra under Tularampur union, vast stretches of land are now covered in sunflower fields, creating what locals describe as a seasonal transformation of the landscape.
The expansion has also attracted visitors, with small informal recreation spots emerging around some fields, reflecting growing public interest.
Farmer Mahmudur Rahman Biswas of Chanchra said he cultivated sunflower on 50 per cent of his land and expects a strong yield based on the current flowering condition.
He said planting seeds in rows using ropes improves plant spacing and productivity.
Farmer Abdul Hai Molla said he planted sunflower on 20 per cent of his land for the first time after receiving seeds and fertiliser support from the agriculture office.
He said sunflower can generate nearly double the profit of mustard and added that the presence of a local oil crushing machine allows farmers to process seeds and sell surplus oil in the market.
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Rajib Biswas said sunflower acreage in Tularampur Union has doubled from last year, reflecting rising farmer confidence.
He said Bari Suryajmukhi-3 and hybrid Haisan-36 varieties are being cultivated more widely due to shorter duration, higher yield and greater oil content.
He added that sunflower fits well into local crop rotation, as jute can be cultivated on the same land immediately after harvest.
Narail Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer and Agriculturist Md Roknuzzaman said farmers have received free seeds and fertilisers under an incentive programme to encourage oilseed production.
He expressed hope for a good harvest this year, citing favourable field conditions and expanding acreage.
Local resident Lipu Khan said he plans to allocate 40 per cent of his land to sunflower next year after observing its profitability over the past two seasons.
