Sunflower oil is a major source of vegetable oil worldwide and is used for various cooking purposes. Oilseeds occupy a crucial position in the Indian agricultural economy as India is one of the largest producers of oilseed crops globally. Sunflower cultivation occupies 1.48 million hectares in India with an average yield of 0.6 MT/acre. Sunflower seeds contain 48-53% of edible oil, which is considered premium compared to other vegetable oils due to their light yellow color, high level of linoleic acid, good flavor, and high smoke point.
Sunflower production in India faces weather risks as 80% of the area is rain-fed. Bihar and Tamil Nadu have the highest productivity rates but have less than 25,000 hectares under the crop, which is mostly irrigated. The average productivity in India is 900 kg/ha, with climatic conditions and irrigation being critical factors for high yields. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Orissa, and Tamil Nadu are the major sunflower-producing states in India, with Karnataka leading in production from an area of 7.94 lakh hectares.
Market and Demand for Sunflower Cultivation
Sunflower cultivation is popular in India due to its nutritional value, high smoking point, and various health benefits. It is rich in Vitamin E and finds wide applications in the cosmetics industry. Sunflowers are used for producing cooking oil, meal, and confectionery products. The oil and meal are processed from the same varieties, and oils with higher percentages of linoleic and monounsaturated fats are considered healthier. Sunflower seed oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils available for cooking.
In the fiscal year 2021, India produced 185 thousand metric tons of sunflower oilseeds, while the total oilseed production for that year was 38.49 million metric tons. Southern states of India are the major demand drivers for sunflowers, and most of the demand is met by imports as domestic production is limited. Ukraine is currently the largest exporter of sunflowers to India.
The sunflower market in India is driven by its large population, increasing urbanization rates, rising health consciousness, and growing non-food applications. Sunflower cultivation has significant potential for growth in India due to its high nutritional value, adaptability to Indian cuisines, and various non-food applications. Sunflower cultivation can provide significant opportunities for farmers and boost the country’s agricultural economy.
Best High Yielding Varieties for Sunflower Cultivation
Recent improvements in agricultural research and breeding have led to the development of new sunflower varieties and hybrids that produce more, can grow in different climates, and are resistant to diseases. The following are some of the top hybrids and types of high-yielding sunflowers that are offered in India:
- PAC 734: This popular hybrid has a 3000 kg/acre production potential. It is immune to the disease’s rust and downy mildew.
- PSH 564: This combination can be grown in rain-fed and irrigated environments. It is immune to rust and powdery mildew and has a yield potential of up to 2800 kg per acre.
- KBSH-53: This variety is immune to rust and downy mildew diseases and has a yield potential of up to 2700 kg per acre.
- Morden: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has created a novel variety with a yield potential of up to 2500 kg per acre. It is immune to the disease’s downy mildew and rust.
- LG 5550: This hybrid is ideal for cultivation in irrigated and rain-fed conditions and has a yield potential of up to 3000 kg per acre. It is immune to the disease’s downy mildew and rust.
- RH 2049: This high-yielding hybrid has a 3000 kg/acre maximum production potential. It is immune to the disease’s downy mildew and rust.
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1 Acre Sunflower Seed Cultivation Project Report in India
The cost of cultivation for 1-acre sunflower cultivation in India. This cost includes various components such as land preparation, seeds, sowing, manures, weeding after cultivation and irrigation, plant protection, harvest, and other expenses.
The cost of cultivating 1 acre of sunflower in India with irrigation includes land preparation (Rs. 1300-1600), seeds and sowing (Rs. 1800-2500), manures and manuring (Rs. 3500-4500), weeding and irrigation (Rs. 1300-3000), plant protection (Rs. 1250-2850), and harvest and other expenses (Rs. 1500-3200). Total cost ranges from Rs. 11600 to Rs. 17800.
Land Preparation
- Tractor rental for plowing: Rs. 800-1000
- Levelling and seedbed preparation: Rs. 300-600
- Total cost: Rs. 1300-1600
Seeds and Sowing
- High-yielding sunflower seeds: Rs. 1500-2000
- Sowing expenses: Rs. 300-500
- Total cost: Rs. 1800-2500
Manures and Manuring
- Fertilizers: Rs. 2000-2500
- Organic manures: Rs. 1000-1500
- Application expenses: Rs. 500-1500
- Total cost: Rs. 3500-4500
Weeding after Cultivation and Irrigation
- Weeding expenses: Rs. 1000-2000
- Irrigation expenses: Rs. 300-1000
- Total cost: Rs. 1300-3000
Plant Protection
- Insecticides and Fungicides: Rs. 1000-2000
- Labor cost: Rs. 250-850
- Total cost: Rs. 1250-2850
Harvest and Other Expenses
- Harvest expenses: Rs. 800-1500
- Miscellaneous expenses: Rs. 700-1700
- Total cost: Rs. 1500-3200
Therefore, the total cost of cultivation for 1-acre sunflower cultivation in India ranges from Rs. 10650 to 18150.
Total Returns from 1 Acre of Sunflower Cultivation in India
With an average yield of 0.6-1 MT/acre, the total production from 1 acre of sunflower cultivation in India would be 1000 kg/acre or ten quintals/acre. At an average price of ₹4993.25/quintal, the total returns would be ₹49,932.50/acre.
However, the lowest market price of ₹3451.00/quintal would result in total returns of ₹34,510.00/acre, while the costliest market price of ₹6500.00/quintal would result in total returns of ₹65,000.00/acre. The actual total returns would depend on the actual yield and the prevailing market price at the time of harvest.
Net Profit from 1 Acre of Sunflower Cultivation in India
With an average yield of 1 MT/acre and an average market price of 4993.25/quintal, total profits would be 49,932.50/acre. Net Profit ranges from Rs. 31,782.50-38,282.50 per acre after subtracting the total farming cost (Rs. 10650-18150) from total returns.
- If the market price is lower than average, say 3451.00/quintal, the total returns would be 34,510.00/acre, and the net Profit would be lower, varying from Rs. 17,360.00-23,860.00 per acre.
- If the market price is higher than normal, say 6500.00/quintal, total returns would be 65,000.00/acre, and net Profit would be higher, ranging from Rs. 47,350.00-53,850.00 per acre. These figures are estimates, and the net Profit will rely on yield, market price, and input costs.
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Conclusion
1-acre sunflower cultivation in India has a production cost ranging from Rs. 10,650-18,150, with an average yield of 0.6-1 MT/acre. The total returns depend on the prevailing market price and actual yield, ranging from Rs. 34,510-65,000/acre. The net Profit can range from Rs. 16,860-56,350/acre, making sunflower cultivation a profitable venture in India.
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