Kozhikode: Sunflowers in full bloom at the Koothali District Agricultural farm are drawing people in good numbers. Around 75 cents of land near the vegetable farm has been used for sunflower farming. Koothali Agricultural Farm is situated in Koovappoyil, in Koothali near Peruvannamuzhi. Different kinds of farming are done on the farm which stretches over land measuring 100 acres. "Sunflower attracts friendly pests which will naturally protect the vegetable farming," says farm Superintendent KV Noushad. As part of this kind of ecological engineering, different kinds of millets have also been included in the farm, he added. This will also give a boost to apiculture.
By planting sunflowers on a large scale, they aim to distribute sunflower seeds to the farmers at a cheap rate. Black Mahi is the variety being cultivated here. The farm carpeted with sunflowers also provides ample photo opportunities for tourists and local residents. The presence of eco-tourism spots in the area also boosts the potential of the farm to attract visitors. Sunflower has been launched here on an experimental basis. The officials said that it will be extended to more areas next year.
