Sunflower Farming in India
Sunflower Farming – High Yield & Profit in Zaid Season
Sunflower (Surajmukhi) is one of the most profitable oilseed crops that gives farmers a high return in a short period. Its oil is light, nutritious, and always in high market demand.
Sunflower can be cultivated in all three seasons – Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid, but the Zaid season (summer) gives the best yield and quality.
In the Kharif season, the crop faces heavy pest and disease attacks, leading to small flowers and less grain formation. On the other hand, in Zaid, the dry and sunny weather keeps the crop healthy, resulting in higher productivity.
🌤️ Ideal Climate and Soil for Sunflower Farming
Sunflower grows well in moderate climates and irrigated conditions.
Here are the ideal conditions for successful cultivation:
- It can be cultivated in Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid seasons.
- During maturity, the crop requires a dry and warm climate.
- Sunflower grows well in loamy soil, which retains moisture and nutrients.
- Avoid highly acidic or alkaline soils.
- The field should have proper drainage and loose soil for better root development.
🌻Improved Varieties of Sunflower
Traditional or Composite Varieties
- Morden
- Sury
Hybrid Varieties
- KBSH-1
- SH-3322
- FSH-17
Among these, KBSH-1 and FSH-17 are highly recommended for Zaid season because they are heat-tolerant and produce more oil and higher yield.
🚜 Field Preparation for Sunflower Crop
Proper field preparation is crucial for a good yield.
- If the soil has low moisture, give one light irrigation (pre-sowing watering).
- Do one ploughing with a soil-turning plough.
- Then perform 2–3 ploughings using a local plough or cultivator.
- The soil should be loose and crumbly to retain moisture.
- During the final ploughing, apply organic manure or compost to enhance soil fertility.
🌱 Correct Sowing Time and Method
- The best sowing time in the Zaid season is the second fortnight of February.
- Crops sown at this time mature by the end of May or early June.
- Late sowing causes rain damage and seed loss.
- Sow seeds 4–5 cm deep in rows.
- Maintain row-to-row spacing of 45 cm and plant-to-plant spacing of 15–20 cm.
🌾 Seed Rate and Treatment
- Composite Varieties: 12–15 kg of seed per hectare.
- Hybrid Varieties: 5–6 kg of seed per hectare.
- If seed germination is below 70%, increase the seed rate slightly.
Seed Treatment Method:
- Treat seeds with 2–2.5 grams of Thiram per kilogram of seed before sowing.
- Soak the seeds overnight and dry them in shade for 3–4 hours before sowing.
- Sowing should be done in the evening for better germination in summer.
🌿 Fertilizer Application and Dosage
Fertilizer should ideally be applied based on soil testing, but in general:
- Nitrogen (N): 80 kg per hectare
- Phosphorus (P): 60 kg per hectare
- Potash (K): 40 kg per hectare
Application Method:
- Apply half of the nitrogen and the full dose of phosphorus and potash at sowing time.
- The remaining nitrogen should be top-dressed 25–30 days after sowing.
- If the crop is taken after potato, reduce the fertilizer dose by 20–25%.
- During final ploughing, mix 250–300 quintals of well-decomposed cow dung or compost manure for best results.
💧 Irrigation Schedule for Sunflower
- Give the first irrigation 20–25 days after sowing.
- Subsequent irrigations should be at 10–15 day intervals, depending on soil moisture.
- A total of 5–6 irrigations are usually required.
- Light irrigation is most important during flowering and seed-filling stages.
- Avoid heavy watering, as it may cause plants to lodge (fall) due to heavy flower heads.
🌾 Weeding, Hoeing, and Weed Control
- The first weeding and hoeing should be done after the first irrigation (20–25 days after sowing).
- This helps control weeds and improves soil aeration.
- For chemical weed control, use:
Pendimethalin 30 EC @ 3.3 liters per hectare,
mixed in 600–800 liters of water, sprayed 2–3 days after sowing.
🪴 Earthing Up (Soil Mounding)
Sunflower plants bear large, heavy heads which may cause the plants to fall.
To prevent this:
- After top-dressing nitrogen, pile 10–15 cm of soil around the base of the plants.
- This provides stability and prevents lodging.
🐝 Pollination Process in Sunflower
Sunflower is a cross-pollinated crop, and proper pollination is crucial for good seed formation.
- Natural pollination occurs through bees, insects, and wind.
- If pollination is insufficient, farmers can assist manually.
- Early morning (7–8 AM), gently rub a soft cloth or gloved hand over the flowers to transfer pollen.
- This improves seed set and enhances overall yield.
🛡️ Crop Protection – Pests and Disease Control
Common sunflower pests include:
- Termites
- Green leafhoppers
- Dusky bugs
Control Measures:
- Spray Methyl-O-Demeton (1 liter of 25 EC) or
Fenvalerate (750 ml per hectare)
mixed with 800–1000 liters of water. - Keep regular watch over the crop and remove infected plants early.
🌻 Harvesting and Threshing Time
- The crop is ready to harvest when seeds turn hard and brownish.
- Cut the heads (capitula) and dry them in shade — do not heap them in piles.
- After drying, extract the seeds by beating with sticks or using a sunflower thresher.
🏡 Proper Storage Method
- Dry seeds properly until moisture content is below 8–10%.
- Excess moisture can spoil the seeds and oil quality.
- Extract oil within 3 months of storage to avoid bitterness.
- Store seeds in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
🌾 Average Yield of Sunflower Crop
- Composite Varieties: 12–15 quintals per hectare
- Hybrid Varieties: 20–25 quintals per hectare
With proper irrigation, fertilization, and pollination management, yields can be further increased in the Zaid season.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to sow sunflower?
Sunflower can be grown in all three seasons, but the second fortnight of February is best for Zaid season sowing.
2. Which varieties are most suitable for high yield?
Hybrid varieties like KBSH-1, SH-3322, and FSH-17 are ideal for high yields and oil content.
3. How long does sunflower take to mature?
It generally takes 90–110 days for the crop to mature.
4. What is the approximate cost and profit of sunflower farming?
The cost of cultivation is around ₹20,000–₹25,000 per hectare, and the income may range between ₹60,000–₹80,000 depending on yield and market price.
5. Is sunflower oil in high demand?
Yes, sunflower oil is in consistent demand due to its lightness, health benefits, and nutritional quality.
6. Can sunflower be grown during the rainy season?
It’s not recommended, as excessive moisture and pests reduce yield. Zaid season gives the best results.
7. What are the major pests in sunflower farming?
Termites, green leafhoppers, and dusky bugs are common pests.
8. Does sunflower require irrigated land?
Yes, irrigation is necessary for good yield, especially during flowering and seed-filling stages.
9. What crop can be grown after sunflower?
After harvesting sunflower, you can grow wheat, gram, or vegetables.
10. How is oil extracted from sunflower seeds?
Dry seeds are processed in an oil expeller machine to extract pure sunflower oil.
🌞 Conclusion: Sunflower Farming – A Golden Opportunity for Farmers
Dear farmers,
Sunflower farming is now one of the most profitable and sustainable oilseed crops for Indian conditions.
By managing sowing time, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control properly, you can achieve excellent yield and income within just 3–4 months.
This crop not only supports your income but also contributes to India’s edible oil self-sufficiency.
👉 Start sunflower farming this Zaid season and grow your prosperity along with the golden blooms of Surajmukhi!