Safflower
Safflower
Safflower is a thorny plant grown mainly for its oil-rich seeds.
In Hindi, it is called “कुसुम” (Kusum).
Belongs to the Asteraceae (sunflower) family.
Uses of Safflower
Safflower Oil:
Extracted from seeds.
Rich in linoleic acid (good for heart health).
Used in cooking, cosmetics, and medicines.
Growing Conditions
Grows well in dry, arid climates.
Ideal temperature: 20°C to 30°C.
Mainly grown in rabi season in India.
Top Producing States in India
- Maharashtra (largest)
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
Safflower Production in India – Full Overview
- What is Safflower?
Botanical name: Carthamus tinctorius L.
A rabi oilseed crop, also called Kusum in Hindi.
Grown for edible oil and natural dye.
Known for its drought tolerance and deep taproot system.
- India’s Global Rank in Safflower Production
India ranks 2nd in the world in safflower production, after Kazakhstan.
India is among the few countries still cultivating safflower on a commercial scale.
- Top Safflower Producing States in India
Rank State Approx. Contribution (%)
1 Maharashtra ~55%
2 Karnataka ~25%
3 Andhra Pradesh ~10%
4 Telangana ~5%
5 Madhya Pradesh ~3%
- Climate and Temperature Requirements
Season: Grown in Rabi season (Oct–March).
Temperature range:
Germination: 15°C to 20°C
Growth: 20°C to 30°C
Cannot tolerate frost during flowering.
Rainfall: 500–800 mm (mostly grown on residual soil moisture).
Sunlight: Requires full sun.
- Soil and Agronomy
- Soil type: Well-drained black cotton soil or loamy soil.
- pH range: 6.0 – 7.5
- Sowing time: October–November
- Spacing: 45 cm x 20 cm
- Seed rate: 10–15 kg/ha
- Duration: 110–140 days to maturity
- Yield Average: 700–800 kg/ha
- Under good practices: 1000–1200 kg/ha
- Economic Importance
Oil content: 30–40%
High in linoleic acid – heart-friendly.
Used in edible oils, paints, cosmetics, biodiesel.
Petals used as natural dye and in herbal medicines.
Safflower meal (byproduct) used as animal feed.
- Attractive Features / Interesting Facts
Known as the “Poor man’s crop” due to low input cost.
Can survive drought and salinity better than many crops.
Traditional uses in Ayurveda for treating fever and joint pain.
Flowers look like mini sunflowers with bright orange or red petals.
Helps in crop rotation and soil conservation in dry regions.