A golden future for sunflower in SA

In some production regions of the country, sunflower is considered a last-resort crop. However, its ability to produce relatively consistent yields under adverse weather conditions makes it an attractive option for farmers in dryland areas. Magda du Toit reports on how the negative view of sunflower can and should be changed.

- Magda du Toit

FAST FACTS

Sunflower production in South Africa has remained relatively flat over the past two decades, with a decline in the area planted to the crop over the past couple of years.

Some reasons for this decline include lower yields and returns per hectare compared with maize and soya bean.

To ensure a better future for sunflower production, farmers require higher-yielding and high oil content cultivars.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has always been an important summer crop in the South African oilseed industry, and over the years it has gained a reputation as an ideal crop to grow under lowinput and relatively marginal conditions.

Sunflower is suited to warm and dry conditions, and production is concentrated mostly in the southern, central and western Free State, North West, and some parts of Limpopo. Between 2009 and 2021, the average area under sunflower cultivation in South Africa was 552 000ha, with mean production of 715 000t/year over this period.

The crop works well in rotation systems, particularly in the drier summer production areas, and is adapted to a wide variety of soil types, from heavy clay to sandy loam. This makes it ideal for mitigating production risks.

Other positive characteristics of sunflower are its shorter growing season when compared with maize, and the fact that it can be planted a little later in the season.