When it comes to the preferred oilseeds by local farmers, sunflower seems to have found its place at the bottom. At one point sunflower production peaked to an annual figure of 60 000 tonnes. The fall has forced the oil industry and seed houses to put more energy on other alternatives such as soyabean and cotton.
Is Zimbabwe’s sunflower production capacity underutilised?
So, the capacity is underutilised¡± said ZFU in response to the survey. Zimbabwe has ideal climatic conditions for sunflower production. The crop is good for the drier parts of the country. It has immense benefits that arise from a low input cost, short growing period, and tolerance to dry conditions.
Is sunflower cooking oil good?
Sunflower cooking oil is of greater quality as compared to oil from soya and cotton. Its market price is also higher than available alternatives. On the production front, the international average yield stands for the crop at 1,6t/ha and with good agronomic practices, farmers can even exceed this yield in Zimbabwe. The largest producer is Russia.
How much does sunflower oil cost?
Currently, the average market price of sunflower is US$370 per tonne. The crop has several uses that include manufacturing of edible oil expression, livestock feed and confectionery products. Sunflower cooking oil is of greater quality as compared to oil from soya and cotton. Its market price is also higher than available alternatives.