BADIN (March 17 2004): A large number of farmers and agriculturists in Badin district have switched to sunflower farming after they suffered huge losses on sugarcane cultivation.

According to a survey report released by district government here on Tuesday, local growers have brought under cultivation sunflower over a large area, replacing sugarcane.

Agricultural District Officer Ali Hasan Arain said the delay in the start of crushing season and denial in payment of dues from sugar mills have forced growers to replace sugarcane crop with sunflower. He said the sugar mills of the district have still not paid the outstanding amount of Rs 2 million to the growers in respect of quality premium.

Describing the reason of record cultivation of sunflower in the district, he said the sunflower crop which is cultivable in the area needs a small quantity of water as against cotton, rice and sugarcane crops.

Courtesy Business Recorder