Agriculture Sector: Thriving winter sunflower and long staple cotton

In 2022-2023, 10 acres of winter sunflower plots and postmonsoon period long staple cotton are successfully cultivated and growing in Ye Dwin Gaung model village, Taung Dwin Gyi township in Magway region. Department of Agriculture (Taung Dwin Gyi) surveys for sharing the technology and qualified seeds for the growers. The government is also supporting for the sufficiency of edible oil plants across the country.

Khin Myo Aye, Township Staff Officer, Department of Agriculture, said " This sunflower plot is owned by the farmer, U Aye Min and located 5 mile 3 furlong away from Ye Dwin Gaung village-tract.  Currently, there are 10 acres of sunflower cultivations in total and among them, 4 acres are going to harvest. The regional government supports the growers to get pedigree seeds and distributes Urea fertilizer with the fair prices."

The sunflower cultivation season is started from September and harvested after about 90 days. Currently, monsoon and winter sunflower cultivations acres are increased in Taung Dwin Gyi Township. So, it can create more job opportunities for local farmers and increase family income.

There are about 43 acres of monsoon sunflower last year and in this year, the cultivated acres have increased to over 1,400 acres. Likewise, farmers are starting interested in winter sunflower. By cultivating of sunflower systematically, crop yields are apparently increased.