Chandraprasad Adhikari, an organic farmer from Shreepur, Ward No. 15, Bharatpur Metropolitan City, has cultivated sunflowers entirely organically this year on a plot of two bighas and 10 katthas. According to Adhikari, he opted for sunflower cultivation again this year because the previous harvest two years ago witnessed high demand for both seeds and oil, and sunflowers were well-suited to the crop rotation system.
He stated, “The planting process was completed in five days with the help of ten workers daily. This year, we estimate a production of around 30 quintals.” He added that in the previous season, sunflower oil sold at NPR 800 per liter and seeds at NPR 500 per kilogram. This year, Adhikari has undertaken the cultivation individually.
Two years ago, a group of four farmers cultivated sunflowers in the same area. During that time, the blooming flowers made the field visually attractive, drawing numerous visitors daily for photography, videography, and sightseeing.
Adhikari claims that the healthy crop this year will not only yield produce but also contribute to local tourism promotion as the blooming sunflower fields attract visitors. The fields also provide a suitable environment for bees once the flowers bloom.
Being involved in organic farming for a long time, Adhikari has been cultivating various crops in the region. To protect the sunflower fields from external influences, he has planted kidney beans along the borders to create a “buffer zone.” He also cultivates organic carrots, as Shreepur is known for carrot production.
Under his leadership, organic farming groups from this area and other parts of the district have been cultivating various crops. Having been involved in organic agriculture for nearly four decades, Adhikari has inspired many farmers to adopt organic farming practices.
