Satkhira Correspondent:

A ‘Local level knowledge exchange workshop’ on Suryamani project has been held at Muzaffar Garden and Resort in Satkhira district.

According to the project source, Developing Sunflower value chain for sustainable farm household income at the Southwest coastal region of Bangladesh, the Suryamani project, funded by HSBC Bank and implemented by CARE Bangladesh, is working to strengthen the sunflower value chain by introducing high-value crops, complementing rice-based cropping patterns, and increasing market connectivity.

On Wednesday (February 5), Deputy Director of Agriculture Extension Department (AED) Md. Saiful Islam, spoke as the chief guest at the ‘Knowledge Exchange Workshop.

Pranoy Biswas, Assistant Deputy Commissioner (General) and Md. Zahurul Islam, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Kalaroa upazila in Satkhira were present as special guests.

Representatives of various government and private organizations and sunflower farmers also participated in the workshop.

Md. Abid ul Kabir, Program Manager-Green Innovation, Humanitarian and Climate Action Program, delivered the welcome speech at the beginning of the workshop.

He said that the “Suryamani” project is being implemented to increase crop density through effective use of fallow lands in Kalaroa and Tala upazilas of Satkhira district. There is a plan to bring 1,000 to 1,200 bighas of seasonal fallow land under cultivation through this project.

He further said, “We are not only advising farmers on land use, but are also working to increase their production and marketing capacity through improved agricultural technologies. Through this project, the use of climate-tolerant agricultural technologies is being increased, which will benefit farmers in the long run.”

He further said, “We are providing improved seeds, organic and chemical fertilizers, necessary agricultural machinery for cultivation and training to interest farmers in sunflower cultivation. In addition, an effective value chain is being developed to create markets, preserve and add value to the farmers’ products. Our goal is not only to increase agricultural production, but also to improve the income and standard of living of farmers.”

On behalf of the project, Project Manager Md. Shahabuddin Shihab said, “Care Bangladesh has started the ‘Suryamani’ project from April 2024 under the social responsibility program of HSBC Bank. Through the project, 1225 families will benefit from the use of climate-tolerant agricultural technologies and the creation of an advanced value chain. Under the project, farmers are being provided with high-quality sunflower seeds, organic and chemical fertilizers, crop protection technologies and training. In particular, sunflower cultivation is creating opportunities for the effective use of fallow land and increasing the financial well-being of farmers.

Last year, in the first phase of the project, 200 out of 300 families in Kushodanga, Yugikhali and Dewara unions of Kalaroa Upazila were provided with various agricultural inputs for safe vegetable cultivation in their homes.

In addition, 100 families were provided with assistance for vegetable cultivation at the field level. In addition, 101 families were provided with improved varieties of seeds and necessary fertilizers for sunflower cultivation on 80 bighas of seasonal fallow land.”

He further said, “We are not just stopping by providing training to farmers, but also are working to create an effective value chain. This will facilitate farmers in marketing their sunflowers and increasing their profits. We hope that through this project, farmers’ income will increase by three to five times and their standard of living will improve.”

Sunflower farmer Md. Azizul Dhali, a farmer representative of the Kushodanga area of Kalaroa, said, “Earlier, we used to leave the land fallow after harvesting paddy, but after receiving technical assistance from the Saryamani project, we have now cultivated sunflowers on our lands. We see the potential for profit in this.”

Farmer Amena Begum, who participated in the program from Talundia village of Kalaroa in Yugikhali said, “Many farmers in our area were not aware about sunflower cultivation earlier. But now with the help of the project, we are getting new technology and training, which is increasing our production.”

At the workshop, BARI Senior Scientific Officer Shimul Kumar Mondal said, “Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) is working to develop improved varieties of sunflower. Several improved varieties have already been delivered to farmers.”

Chief guest agronomist Md. Saiful Islam said, “The annual demand for edible oil in the country is about 2.4 million tonnes, of which only 12 percent comes from domestic production. If sunflower cultivation is expanded, we will be able to reduce our dependence on edible oil imports. The government is providing various assistances to farmers, which is giving them the opportunity to participate in profitable agriculture.”

Special guest Satkhira Senior Scientific Officer and In-Charge, Bina Dr. Shilpi Das said, “If sunflower cultivation is expanded on a large scale in Kalaroa and Tala upazilas of Satkhira district, it will ensure the financial development of farmers as well as the food security of the country.”

S.M. Enamul Islam, UAO, Kalaroa, in his speech said, “It is possible to improve the financial condition of farmers through the expansion of sunflower cultivation. With the help of the government and various development agencies, farmers are currently learning to use advanced technology, which is helping them increase their productivity. In particular, sunflower cultivation ensures effective use of wasteland and provides additional income to farmers.”