Thazi township grows about 25 acres of winter sunflower cultivation for seed production

Thazi township grows about 25 acres of winter sunflower cultivation for seed production

About 25 acres of winter sunflower for seed production have been cultivated in Thazi Township, Mandalay Region to boost the edible oil production, said Daw Moe Moe Ngwe, the township manager of Thazi Township Agriculture Department.

Regarding winter sunflower cultivation, it has been carried out by growing two rows of male plants and four rows of female plants and it is a cross-pollinated crop. The sunflower seeds are ordered from the farmlands under the Department of Agricultural Research-DAR. About ten farmers are selected to grow those mixed sunflowers. There are two species of sunflowers – Hsin Shwe Kyar-2 and Yezin-1 species cultivated in Thazi township.

“The sunflower seeds production is to meet the demand in the region. It is a rural area and sunflower cultivation is widespread in the winter season and monsoon. The mixed sunflowers are cultivated to increase edible oil production. A basket of Hsin Shwe Kyar-2 species of sunflower seeds can produce about 2.50 visses while one basket of Yezin-1 species can make about 4.50 visses. Therefore, the department is aiming to extend more Yezin-1 species of sunflower cultivation. The sunflowers planted in early October are now in bloom,” she added. The Yezin-1 species sunflower cultivation will yield about 40 or 50 baskets per acre if farmers can apply the good input. In the region, it can produce over 30 baskets per acre. The lifespan of the sunflower is 85 days. The growers will be able to sell the species for K50,000 per basket, which can increase their income.

The township agriculture department is also conducting awareness activities for the sunflower growers to improve sunflower yield and cultivate good quality sunflower seeds.