Sunflower is one of the most important oilseed crops in India. Known for its high oil content, nutritional value, and versatility, sunflower oil is widely consumed due to its light texture, high vitamin E content, and heart-healthy properties. Sunflower cultivation is well-suited for semi-arid and rainfed regions, and its short duration makes it ideal for multiple cropping systems.
Sunflower is primarily grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Haryana and Punjab. Indian farmers have access to several improved sunflower varieties and hybrids that are high-yielding, disease-resistant, and adaptable to different agro-climatic conditions.
This article highlights more than 10 top sunflower varieties in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and specific uses to help farmers maximize productivity and profitability.
1. KBSH-1
KBSH-1 is a high-yielding hybrid variety widely grown across sunflower-producing states in India.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 95–100 days
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- High productivity with large flower heads
- Resistant to diseases like rust and downy mildew
- Adaptable to rainfed and irrigated conditions
- Uses: Oil extraction
2. KBSH-44
KBSH-44 is another popular hybrid variety developed for higher yields and disease resistance.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 90–95 days
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for both Kharif and Rabi seasons
- Tolerant to moisture stress
- Uses: Oil production
3. Morden
Morden is an open-pollinated variety (OPV) known for its adaptability and high yield.
- Type: Open-pollinated
- Maturity: 85–95 days
- Oil Content: 38–40%
- Regions: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing and suitable for multiple cropping
- Resistant to lodging and drought
- Uses: Oil production, bird feed
4. SH-3322
SH-3322 is a high-yielding hybrid variety with superior oil content and good disease resistance.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 100–110 days
- Oil Content: 42–44%
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- High seed yield with uniform flowering
- Resistant to downy mildew and rust
- Uses: Oil extraction
5. CO-2
CO-2 is a short-duration sunflower variety developed for regions with limited water availability.
- Type: Open-pollinated
- Maturity: 80–85 days
- Oil Content: 39–41%
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with good yield
- Drought-tolerant and suitable for semi-arid regions
- Uses: Oil production, smallholder farming
6. BSH-1
BSH-1 is a hybrid variety suitable for irrigated and rainfed conditions, offering stable yields.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 90–100 days
- Oil Content: 40–42%
- Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana
- Characteristics:
- High yield potential with large seed size
- Resistant to diseases and moisture stress
- Uses: Oil extraction
7. KBSH-53
KBSH-53 is an improved sunflower hybrid known for its high oil content and drought resistance.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 90–100 days
- Oil Content: 42–45%
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for rainfed and irrigated conditions
- High adaptability to dry climates
- Uses: Oil production
8. Surya
Surya is an open-pollinated variety ideal for small and marginal farmers in India.
- Type: Open-pollinated
- Maturity: 85–90 days
- Oil Content: 39–41%
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity with consistent yield
- Tolerant to water stress
- Uses: Oil production
9. PAC-1091
PAC-1091 is a hybrid variety developed for high seed yield and oil recovery.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 95–105 days
- Oil Content: 41–43%
- Regions: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
- Characteristics:
- High seed weight and better disease resistance
- Suitable for mechanized harvesting
- Uses: Oil extraction
10. KBSH-41
KBSH-41 is a highly adaptable hybrid variety offering excellent yield under varied climatic conditions.
- Type: Hybrid
- Maturity: 90–95 days
- Oil Content: 40–43%
- Regions: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to drought and major diseases
- Uniform flowering and seed development
- Uses: Oil production
FAQs
Q1: Which sunflower variety is best for drought-prone areas?
A: KBSH-44, CO-2, and KBSH-53 are ideal for drought-prone regions due to their drought tolerance.
Q2: Which sunflower variety has the highest oil content?
A: KBSH-53, SH-3322, and PAC-1091 have high oil content ranging from 42–45%.
Q3: What is the ideal season for sunflower cultivation in India?
A: Sunflower is mainly grown during Kharif (June–July) and Rabi (October–November) seasons.
Q4: Which variety is best suited for small farmers?
A: Open-pollinated varieties like Morden, Surya, and CO-2 are cost-effective and suitable for smallholder farming.
Q5: Which states are leading producers of sunflower in India?
A: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Haryana and Punjab are leading sunflower producers.
Conclusion
Sunflower is a vital crop for oilseed production in India, offering farmers a sustainable and profitable option, especially in rainfed and drought-prone regions. With high-yielding hybrids like KBSH-1, SH-3322, KBSH-53, and open-pollinated varieties like Morden and Surya, farmers can select the most suitable varieties based on their climate, water availability, and market demand. By adopting improved varieties and modern farming practices, sunflower cultivation can play a significant role in enhancing farmer income and oilseed self-sufficiency in India.
