THATTA, Nov 10: More and more growers of the district are switching over to sunflower cultivation owing to the crisis created by sugar mill owners by not starting the crushing season on time and denying growers the fixed prices.

The shortage of water for the last four years, reduction in yield of sugarcane, salinity in coastal talukas, ecological and environmental variations, absence of research and non-payment of dues of growers by mills were also the reasons that motivated growers to go for alternate crops, sources told this correspondent.

The regional manager, Pakistan Oilseed Development Board, Thatta, revealed that growers were getting Rs12,000 to Rs15,000 per acre income from sunflower cultivation in the district.

Sunflower seed contains 40 to 45 per cent high quality oil and 20 to 22 per cent protein. Being a deep-rooted crop, it requires less water and gives 30 maund per acre production.

He said the federal government through the PODB in coordination with seed and solvent companies was concentrating on sunflower crop, would arrange timely supply of seed and ensure attractive rates and more procurement centres this year.

He said sunflower could be cultivated in Sindh from Nov 15 to Feb 15. He said progressive farmers were getting three crops a year and earning benefits.

When contacted in Karachi, Sindh PODB director Waris Shaikh said Sindh lands were facing gradual destruction and added that adequate remedies were needed to counter the situation. He said not only in Thatta but sunflower sowing was also gaining momentum throughout Sindh.