By Umar Nsubuga
Sunflowers, with their bright golden petals and high nutritional value, have long been seen as a beautiful addition to any garden.
However, when cultivated on a larger scale, this versatile crop can offer substantial financial rewards for commercial farmers.
From edible seeds to oil extraction, sunflower farming presents numerous opportunities. With the right strategies and knowledge, farmers can tap into the market demand for sunflower products and reap significant returns.
Gideon Zakke, an agronomist explains how farmers can maximise their profits from this crop.
According to Zakke, the sunflower industry in Uganda is growing, driven by increasing demand for cooking oil, animal feed, and other by-products.
But, to make sunflower farming truly profitable, Zakke stresses the importance of adopting the right practices, from proper soil preparation to understanding market trends.
Choosing the right variety and soil preparation
One of the first steps to success in sunflower farming is selecting the appropriate variety. Zakke explains that there are two main types of sunflowers grown commercially: oilseed sunflowers and confectionery sunflowers.
Oilseed sunflowers are typically favoured for commercial farming due to their high oil content, which is in demand for cooking oils, biodiesel, and other industrial uses.
When it comes to soil, Zakke emphasises that sunflowers thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Ideal growing conditions include areas with ample sunlight and a temperate climate.
For farmers in Uganda, regions like Luwero, Nakasongola, and parts of eastern Uganda provide favourable conditions for sunflower cultivation.
Soil testing is crucial to ensure that the land is suitable for sunflower production and to avoid problems related to nutrient deficiencies.
Planting and crop management
Proper planting techniques are essential for a successful sunflower crop.
Zakke advises farmers to plant sunflower seeds at a depth of about 2.5 to 5cm, ensuring enough space for each plant to grow.
Sunflowers are typically spaced about 30cm apart in rows to allow for optimal growth and airflow, which helps reduce the risk of disease. Zakke further explains that planting should coincide with the start of the rainy season for optimal germination and growth.
Once planted, sunflower crops need consistent care. Fertilisation is important to boost yield, with a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilisers recommended during key growth phases. However, Zakke stresses the importance of balanced fertilisation to avoid over-reliance on chemical inputs, which can harm soil health in the long run.
Harvesting and post-harvest handling
Sunflowers generally mature within 80 to 120 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Zakke suggests that farmers monitor their crops closely to determine the optimal time for harvesting.
“The sunflower heads should be yellow or brown, and the seeds inside should be fully developed but not yet dried out. Early harvesting can result in low oil content, while late harvesting may lead to seed loss due to natural decay or bird damage,” he explains.
After harvesting, Zakke recommends drying the seeds properly to avoid mold growth, which can lower their quality. Sunflower seeds must be carefully cleaned and sorted before they can be sold to oil processors, food manufacturers, or exported. Proper post-harvest handling ensures that farmers fetch the best prices in the market.
Market opportunities and profitability
The sunflower market in Uganda is ripe for commercial farmers, thanks to the increasing demand for sunflower oil, animal feed, and snacks made from sunflower seeds.
Zakke notes that Uganda’s sunflower oil industry has the potential to expand as demand for locally produced oil rises.
The by-products, such as sunflower cake, are widely used in animal feed, creating another lucrative market for sunflower farmers.
However, Zakke advises that farmers need to understand market trends to ensure they sell at the right time for the best price. Sunflower oil is commonly sold in bulk to manufacturers or distributors, while the seeds themselves can be sold for direct consumption or processed into sunflower oil.
Farmers may also consider value addition, such as packaging their own sunflower oil for sale in local markets.
Sunflower farming also presents an opportunity for smallholder farmers to scale up their operations. Zakke points out that with proper financial management and investment in equipment, such as seed cleaners and oil presses, farmers can increase their profitability.
Collaborative efforts, such as forming farmer cooperatives, can also help secure better pricing and access to processing facilities.
