Faridabad: Sunflower cultivation in Fatehpur Billouch village of Faridabad has become a source of good income for the local farmers. The farmer here, Mukesh Saini, is supporting his family by growing sunflowers on 1 acre of land. Sunflower cultivation not only provides employment in the village, but it is also sent to foreign countries for hotel decoration and decorative purposes. With proper care and hard work in its cultivation, farmers can earn continuous profit throughout the year.
what does it cost
While talking to Local18, Mukesh Saini told that his farm 18 Kila is on lease, in which he has cultivated sunflower in 1 acre. He told that first the field is prepared properly and then the flowers are plucked. After this the seeds are chewed. The sunflower crop is ready in about three months. About 2 kg of seeds are required in 1 acre which is brought from Ghazipur market of Delhi. The price of seeds is quite high, around Rs 80 thousand per kg.
What is the method of farming?
Mukesh explains that sunflower is not cultivated in entire acres at once. It has to be planted in small acres so that the crop can bloom well. Now he has planted it in two and a half bighas. The crop can be planted anywhere throughout the year and can be grown even in summer.
Less need for irrigation in winter
Talking about irrigation, sunflower has to be watered 5-6 times and in winters approximately twice a month. There are also pests in farming, hence spraying is done from time to time. Zinc, potash and DAP are added to the fertilizer whereas urea is not added.
what is the benefit
Talking about the price of sunflower in the market, a bundle of 5 flower stalks is sold for around Rs 200, i.e. one stalk costs Rs 40. Due to this, costs are easily covered and profits are also good. Mukesh says that the oil variety is bigger whereas the flowers grown by him are of smaller variety and are used for decoration. These are sent to hotels and other decorative purposes and even to foreign countries.
Sunflower is a profitable crop
The daily needs of Mukesh Saini’s family are being met by sunflower farming. Despite paying Rs 55 thousand for 1 acre on lease, the crop yields good profits. Electricity comes to the fields 3 days a week, day and night, which makes work convenient. With hard work and proper care, sunflower cultivation has become a profitable business for the farmers of Fatehpur Billouch village.
