Sunsari’s sunflower farming is declining
Up until a few years ago, sunflower agriculture in Sunsari was growing; this year, it has dropped. The rise in several disease and insect outbreaks has led to a decline in sunflower agriculture. Due to a variety of diseases, pests, and unfavorable weather conditions, many farmers have ceased growing sunflowers, according to farmers. According to farmer Niraj Yadav, farming has declined in the southern parts of Harinagar, Dewanganj, Barju, and Gadhi, including Inaruwa, the district headquarters. According to Rajendra Mehta, a farmer in Bhokraha Narsing Rural Municipality, farmers in the northern regions of Barahakshetra and Ramdhuni Municipality have ceased growing sunflowers.
The Agricultural Knowledge Centre in Sunsari reports that 264 tonnes of sunflowers are produced annually on 201 hectares of agricultural land. The space used to grow sunflowers has shrunk this year. According to Bhuwaneshwor Yadav, an agricultural technician at the Harinagar Rural Municipality, farmers have ceased growing sunflowers because of issues like the market’s lack of high-quality seeds, a variety of pests and diseases, and unfavorable weather.
