Sunflower Production Technology

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a high-yielding, oil-rich crop known for its drought tolerance, quick growth, and premium market value. With modern farming techniques and scientific management, farmers can achieve higher productivity, superior oil quality, and sustainable profits.

 Key Steps for Profitable Sunflower Cultivation

Ideal Climate & Soil Conditions

Temperature: 20-30°C – Requires warm weather & plenty of sunlight

 Soil Type: Well-drained loamy to sandy loam soil (pH 6.5-7.5)

Water Requirement: Moderate irrigation, crucial at flowering & seed filling stages

High-Yielding Sunflower Varieties

Popular hybrids: KBSH 44, DRSH 1, PSFH 118, Morden

High oil-content varieties: PAC 3794, SH 3322 – Ideal for edible oil production

Disease-resistant types: CO 4, TCSH 1 – Suitable for regions with disease risks

Smart Sowing & Seed Treatment

Seed rate: 6-8 kg/ha for hybrids, 10-12 kg/ha for open-pollinated varieties

Best sowing time:

• Kharif (Monsoon crop): June-July
• Rabi (Winter crop): October-November
• Zaid (Summer crop): January-February

Seed treatment: Treat with Trichoderma & PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) to boost germination & disease resistance

Nutrient & Water Management

 Balanced fertilization:

• Nitrogen (N): 60-80 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 40-50 kg/ha
• Potassium (K): 30-40 kg/ha

Irrigation schedule: Key stages – Flowering & grain filling

Weed, Pest & Disease Control

Weed management: Use Pendimethalin (pre-emergence herbicide) to keep fields weed-free

Common pests: Helicoverpa, jassids, whiteflies – Managed using Neem-based bio-pesticides

Disease control: Rust, Downy mildew, Alternaria blight – Prevent with crop rotation & fungicides

Harvesting & Post-Harvest Management

Harvest when flower heads turn yellow-brown & moisture content drops below 10%

Proper drying ensures higher oil extraction & better market price

Average yield: 1.5-2.5 tons per hectare.