RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Punjab Agriculture Department has advised the farmers to sow sunflower in January to reap the benefits of more production.

“Sunflower is a fast growing crop that can be planted in between planting seasons. Sunflower is also tolerant to a wide variety of soil conditions and the crop brings in high-yields,” said a spokesman of the department, here on Monday.

With high demand for sunflower oil in Pakistan, sunflowers have become an excellent source of income for farmers, and can help support sustainable growth in communities. Sunflower farming projects have supported the recovery of farmers, which helped restore their livelihoods and generate an immediate source of income.

Government of Punjab has also begun sunflower campaign which can be proved a milestone to reduce country’s import bill on oilseed because it contain more than 40% edible oil contents and is very useful for protecting people against diseases and environmental hazards. What is more beneficial is that sunflower crop gets ready in 110 to 130 days.

The spokesman further said that the Punjab government began oilseed sowing promotion campaign under banner of Khadim-e-Punjab Kissan Package with a Subsidy of Rs 5,000 per acre on sunflower cultivation (oilseed). This subsidy is being provided in the form of voucher which sealed in sunflower seed bags. All registered farmers under Khadim-e-Punjab Kissan Package have given subsidy on cultivation of sunflower up to 10 acres. Under this subsidy scheme per acre yield of sunflower crop will be increased and Country’s import bill regarding edible oil will be reduced, the spokesman hoped.