Raipur. Mr. Gautam Patel, a progressive farmer from Sirshobha village in the Saraipali development block of Mahasamund district, has taken a significant step toward prosperity by adopting summer sunflower cultivation instead of traditional paddy cultivation. The Agriculture Department is providing ongoing technical guidance and support to encourage summer oilseed production.

Mr. Patel explained that he previously cultivated paddy, which required a lot of water and inputs. Last year, a water shortage affected his crop, resulting in financial losses. Consequently, under the guidance of the Agriculture Department, he cultivated sunflowers on approximately 1.5 acres this year.

Sunflower crop requires less water and less cost, due to which it is proving to be a profitable option for the farmers. At present, the condition of the crop is satisfactory and the production is estimated to be 8 to 10 quintals per acre. The total production is likely to be 12 to 15 quintals. As per the market price of Rs 4500 to 5500 per quintal, the income potential is around Rs 54 thousand to 82 thousand 500, in which a net profit of Rs 40 to 65 thousand is estimated. It is noteworthy that due to the provision of advanced seeds, technical advice and necessary support by the Agriculture Department, the farmers are successfully adopting the new farming method.