Chitwan: A sunflower farm here has become a promising site for agro-eco tourism. Local farmer Chandra Prasad Adhikari’s ‘sunflower garden’ has been attracting an increasing number of visitors day by day.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the farm, spread across around 2.5 bigha of land, is gradually becoming a preferred destination for visitors. Some people come to make TikTok videos, while others visit for study and observation. Bees flying around the garden collecting nectar add to the picturesque scenery, while a machan in the middle of the garden offers visitors a scenic view of the area.
A group of women from Narayangadh mentioned that they learned about the garden through TikTok and were encouraged to visit it. The sunflower garden, developed with the aim of promoting agro-eco tourism, has invigorated the area and encouraged youths to engage in agriculture. The garden reportedly welcomes around 400-500 visitors daily during the flowering period.
Adhikari noted that visitors come to enjoy themselves, take pictures, and make TikTok videos. Some are interested in learning about farming and inquire about seeds to grow sunflowers in their fields. He shared that he has been practicing organic farming for 36 years, growing carrots, turnips, and other vegetables alongside sunflowers.
After receiving positive feedback last year, sunflowers have been planted again this year. Adhikari emphasized the investment made in planting, maintenance, and management to establish the farmstead. He sourced seeds from the oil crop research program in Sarlahi and has no issues with marketing his organic produce.
Products from the farm are supplied to Organic Mart in Kathmandu, with sunflower oil sold at Rs 800 per litre. Adhikari explained that flowers bloom around Mid-March, a prime time for agro-tourism. He initially started with organic farming before integrating agro-tourism.
Adhikari is motivated by the increasing number of visitors for sightseeing and observing his farm. He highlighted Nepal’s geographical diversity, which allows different types of agricultural systems. Adhikari suggested adopting various crops and practices with expert advice and policymaker support to meet domestic market demand and potential exports.