What might easily be mistaken for a vast yellow carpet is, in fact, a breathtaking expanse of sunflowers, their vibrant faces basking in the winter sun.
Sprawled across the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation's (BADC) pulse and oilseed production farm in Gangabardi, Faridpur, these radiant blooms have become the region's unexpected crown jewel, attracting thousands of nature enthusiasts daily.
With little else to offer in terms of conventional tourist attractions, Faridpur has found an unlikely contender for the title of the district's most-visited destination this February.
The fields, shimmering like waves of molten gold under the afternoon sun, sway gently in the breeze, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in their boundless beauty.
Each year, BADC cultivates sunflowers across five acres of land, primarily for seed collection.
However, what serves as an agricultural endeavour for the corporation has blossomed into a veritable tourist hotspot for Faridpur's residents.
Fridays and Saturdays, along with weekday afternoons, witness throngs of people flocking to the fields—families, friends, and solo travellers alike—many drawn by the irresistible lure of capturing the perfect photograph for social media.
Masudur Rahman, a visitor, shared, "Who doesn't appreciate the beauty of flowers? Given the scarcity of recreational spots in Faridpur, I've brought my wife and children here to enjoy the sunflower garden and create some cherished memories."
Shamsur Rahman added, "This is the age of Facebook and Instagram. The natural backdrop here is perfect for photos and reels, which is precisely why I came."
Liza Akhtar, another visitor, remarked, "I've come to relish nature's splendour. It's heartening to see so many people from distant places gathering here. However, it seems that photography has taken precedence over simply soaking in the beauty. There's no other natural setting in Faridpur quite like this for capturing such stunning photos."
A stroll through the fields reveals a festival-like atmosphere.
People of all ages from various parts of Faridpur have converged here—some posing for pictures with friends, others savouring the scenic charm with their families.
Children, teenagers, and young adults infuse the fields with vibrant energy, turning the sunflower garden into a lively social hub.
The steady influx of visitors, inspired by the deluge of images and videos circulating on social media, continues unabated.
However, the swelling crowds have posed challenges for the farm's caretakers.
Five gardeners now patrol the fields with handheld microphones, urging visitors to avoid trampling the flowers or damaging the plants while posing for photos.
Last year, only two gardeners managed the task, but the surge in footfall necessitated additional hands.
According to BADC officials, sunflower cultivation has been ongoing at this site for 18 years, initially on an experimental scale.
The turning point came about seven to eight years ago when captivating images of the sunflower fields went viral on social media, propelling the farm into the public eye.
Since then, February has consistently seen a spike in visitors, effectively transforming the farm into a seasonal tourist destination.
This year, thousands of BARI Sunflower-3 seeds were sown across five acres in November.
By early March, these plants will yield seeds, but for now, the fields are ablaze with blossoms, drawing nature lovers from far and wide.
The sunflowers, beyond their aesthetic appeal, offer tangible agricultural benefits. Sunflower oil, known for being cholesterol-free and heart-friendly, is increasingly in demand.
Each acre yields approximately 500 kilogrammes of seeds, with cultivation costs ranging between Tk45,000-50,000. The oil extracted from one acre's produce sells for around Tk85,000, with one maund of seeds yielding 16 to 18 kilograms of oil, priced at Tk350-380 per kilogramme.
Mahmudul Islam Khan Zia, BADC's deputy director and an agricultural specialist, emphasised, "Our primary goal is to supply high-quality sunflower seeds. This year, we anticipate producing four tonnes of seeds from the five-acre plot, which will be distributed to farmers next season. Sunflower seeds contain 42-45% oil, which offers numerous health benefits. We hope the local community will be inspired to cultivate this valuable crop."
While the fields continue to serve their agricultural purpose, their transformation into a vibrant seasonal attraction is a testament to nature's power to captivate hearts and minds, one sunflower at a time.