Farmers have been advised to prepare their lands for the cultivation of Baharia Sunflower crop variety in early January for bumper yield. According to an official from the Department of Agriculture (Extension), if Baharia Sunflower crop variety is cultivated between January 1 and February 15, the chances of a bumper yield increase manifold. He, therefore, advised the farmers to start preparing their lands for the cultivation of the said crop.

He said, “completing the cultivation of Baharia Sunflower crop variety before February 15 will help the farmers get a maximum yield. They will then be able to make good profits for themselves and their families. Otherwise, they risk incurring losses in yield and profits.” He added that growers in Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanewal, Multan, Vehari and Bahawalnagar districts need to start sunflower cultivation from January 1 and complete it by January 31, next year. As for farmers in Muzaffar Garh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Lodhran, Rajan Pur and Bhakkar, an ideal time for cultivation is from January 10 to February 10.

He continued, “farmers of Faisalabad, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Narowal, Attock, Rawalpindi, Gujrat and Chakwal districts, should cultivate sunflower crops from January 25 to February 15.” He also stressed the need to use the approved varieties of sunflower seeds which were Hi-sun-33, Hi-sun-39, Agora-4, NK-278, FH-331, DK-4040, G-101 and 64-A-93. He said these varieties were disease-resistant and gave higher yields.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk