A blooming sunflower field in Palghar is giving city folk their Bollywood moment while helping farmers find an alternate source of livelihood
Raj Chheda at the farm in Boisar that is home to 5000 blooms. PICS COURTESY/JOIN WITH ME
Nearly 150 students of Shishuvan School got a glimpse of what William Wordsworth from their English textbooks might have felt when he stumbled upon his beloved 10,000 daffodils. On a trip last week, they came upon 5000 blooms stretched in a never-ending line, albeit of sunflowers, at a 3.5-acre farm in the Boisar town of Palghar.
Farmers in the town have recently turned to growing the flowers in addition to vegetables and grains. Adventurers like Raj Chheda of the Join With Me group are joining hands with them to use the attraction as a gateway to nature education.
Bhavesh Pawade (centre) and his family receive thanks from students at the farm after a productive day
TILL April 12 (check schedule for dates)
AT Kirat Village, Boisar, Palghar district. (Farm location shared on registration)
LOG ON TO joinwithme.in
ENTRY Rs 1799 (includes food)
Farmer’s notes
Does the buzz around their blooming fields really benefit the locals? Farmer Bhavesh Pawade, who runs one such farm in Boisar told us:
>> The increased interest has helped us economically because visitors often buy vegetables, fruits and grains grown on our farm. This helps compensate for the cost of labour, and supports our farming work. Personally, it gives us a lot of satisfaction when people enjoy the experience.
>> One special memory was when students from Shishuvan School visited. After their meal on the farm, they all said “Thank you” together with big smiles. That moment was very satisfying for our family and reminded us why we love welcoming people to our farm.
What’s the plan?
Field day
Visitors can walk through the field and touch (but not pluck) the flowers. Strike a pose like they do in the movies, or simply soak in the natural spectacle. The blooming phase where petals are bright lasts from January to the first week of April.
Eat clean
The farmers grow lentils, vegetables and fruits on the farm. A hearty meal under an old tree’s shade includes rice bhakris, wholesome dal, pickles, and vegetables. Mangoes, jamuns, and cashew nuts are in season.
Go with the flow
The farm lies near the River Surya that originates in the hills of Palghar. Visitors can walk along an easy riverside trail for adults and children, or sit by the flowing streams along the way.
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