YANGON Region sees cultivation of oil crops and various pulses in winter, and this season, sunflower cultivation for oil production has covered about 2,000 acres in seven districts of the region.
Last year’s sunflower farming was targeted at 10,969 acres, and 4,500 acres were successfully harvested. Sunflower cultivation has reached 2,000 acres as of early January this winter. Various pulses such as peanut, sesame, black gram, green gram, black-eyed peas, lentil, chickpea and cowpea are also planted. The region primarily grows paddy, yet certain crops are also planted to meet self-sufficiency and boost exports.
“Of two sunflower varieties (Yezin hybrid 1), Hsinshwekya-2 variety is commonly grown. The Department of Agriculture is cooperating with the Crop Protection Division to ensure no chemical residues by raising awareness of chemical fertilizers and applying methods to farmers. Winter crops are constantly cultivated in the region to provide seed production and conduct on-farm trials,” said an official of the Department of Agriculture.
Green gram designated for the EU market is primarily grown in Thanlyin District. Taikkyi District is the main producing area of black gram. Sunflower cultivation can be seen in Dagon Myothit, Thanlyin, Twantay, Hmawby, Hlegu, Taikkyi and Mingaladon districts. — Thitsa (MNA)/KK
