Sunflower is a key oilseed crop in Pakistan, ranking third after cotton and rapeseed-mustard. Despite its potential, sunflower cultivation has declined in recent years, contributing only 30–34% of domestic edible oil demand. The rest is met through imports, costing Pakistan around USD 2 billion annually.
Area and Production Overview
Harvested Area:
Sunflower cultivation has dropped from 105,000 hectares in 2018 to approximately 53,000 hectares in 2022, marking a significant decline.
Seed and Oil Production:
Annual production reaches 554,000 tons of sunflower seed, from which about 211 tons of edible oil is extracted.
Average Yield:
Local yields average 1.6 tons per hectare, below the global average of 3 t/ha. However, modest annual growth of 5.5% since 2017 has been observed.
Economic Importance and Oil Content
Oilseed Contribution: Sunflower accounts for 11% of Pakistan’s total oilseed output.
Edible Oil Deficit: Domestic production meets only one-third of national demand, with imports filling the gap.
Nutritional Value: Sunflower seeds contain 40–50% oil and 23% protein, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Major Growing Regions and Hybrid Seeds
Key Cultivation Zones: Punjab and Sindh are the main producing regions, with top districts including Bahawalpur, Vehari, Badin, and Thatta.
Hybrid Varieties: High-yield hybrids like FH-331, ORISUN 648, ORISUN 516, SMH-1001, and SMH-1215 can produce 1,600–2,200 kg/ha.
Local Performance: Recent trials show SMH-1215 and other local hybrids compete well with imported seeds under modern agronomic practices.
Government Initiatives and Support
Subsidy Programs:
Punjab government offers Rs. 5,000 per acre for sunflower cultivation, split into Rs. 1,000 upfront and Rs. 4,000 after crop verification.
The Prime Minister’s Agriculture Emergency Program provides up to Rs. 15,000 per acre for demonstration plots.
Awareness & Training: Extension services train farmers in modern cultivation techniques to boost yields and reduce import dependency.
Area Expansion Targets: Policies aim to expand sunflower cultivation across 210,000 acres in Punjab, supported by yield competitions and demonstration farms.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
Limited availability of high-quality seeds.
Suboptimal fertilizer and irrigation management.
Dependence on imported hybrids.
Opportunities:
Potential yields of 4,000–5,000 kg/ha with proper management.
Locally bred hybrids can improve self-sufficiency.
Investment in seed processing and storage infrastructure can streamline production.
Future Outlook to 2025
Area and production expected to grow due to government incentives and rising edible oil demand.
Promotion of high-yield, locally adapted hybrids will reduce dependency on imported seeds.
Expanded domestic sunflower cultivation could save Pakistan USD 1–2 billion annually in imports.
Summary Table – Sunflower in Pakistan
Indicator Value / Status
Harvested Area (2022) 53,000 ha
Historical Peak Area (2018) 105,000 ha
Average Yield 1.6 t/ha (Global avg: 3 t/ha)
Annual Seed Production 554,000 tons
Annual Oil Output 211 tons
Domestic Oil Coverage 30–34%
Import Dependency ~66%
Punjab Subsidy Rs. 5,000–15,000/acre
Leading Hybrids FH-331, ORISUN series, SMH-1001, SMH-1215
Strategic Recommendations
Expand cultivation area via farmer incentives and policy reforms.
Promote certified high-yield hybrid seeds adapted to local conditions.
Enhance extension services for training and capacity building.
Invest in seed processing, storage, and distribution infrastructure.
Monitor and evaluate subsidy impact for continuous improvement.
With proper management, hybrid adoption, and government support, sunflower cultivation in Pakistan has the potential to grow significantly, improve domestic oil production, and reduce import dependency.
