The great demand for sunflower oil and its great byproduct used in animal feed formulation has made sunflower farming in Kenya a lucrative enterprise.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from land preparation, best varieties, to common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Land Selection and Soil Requirements

Choosing the Right Location

Sunflower thrives well in highland areas with sufficient rainfall. It can thrive in all maize-growing regions. Like maize, it requires well-drained, deep, fertile soils with an average PH of 6-7.0.

Avoid planting sunflowers in waterlogged soils, clay soils or extreme dry areas. The great enemy to sunflower farming is birds that feast at the almost mature stage. This is worse in dry areas.

While doing commercial sunflower farming, soil testing is paramount. This key in establishing the pH range( 6.0-7.5 -slightly acidic to neutral), Organic matter: (Minimum 3%) and the nutrients content (Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Potassium). This will help determine the amount of fertiliser to be applied.

Plough the farm deep (25-30cm) during the dry season, and add 10-15 tons of well-decomposed manure per acre. Later, you can harrow to create a fine tilt and loosen the soil.

If the soil is too acidic, you can incorporate agricultural lime at least 6 weeks before planting.

Best Sunflower Varieties for Kenyan Farmers

1. PAN 7031 – The Commercial Champion

Key specifications:

• Maturity: 110-120 days
• Oil content: 42-45%
• Yield potential: 15-20 bags per acre
• Best altitude: 900-2,200m above sea level
• Resistance: Downy mildew, rust

Why farmers love it: PAN 7031 produces uniform heads with excellent oil quality. Additionally, it tolerates drought stress better than most varieties. The seeds command premium prices from oil processors.

2. Pannar 7049 – Early Maturity Winner

Key specifications:

• Maturity: 95-105 days (earliest)
• Oil content: 40-43%
• Yield potential: 12-16 bags per acre
• Best altitude: 1,200-2,000m above sea level
• Special feature: Short-season variety

Advantage: Perfect for areas with short rainy seasons. Matures before peak pest pressure. Allows double cropping in some regions.

3. Record OP- The High Yielder

Key specifications:

• Maturity: 115-125 days
• Oil content: 44-47% (highest)
• Yield potential: 20-25 bags per acre
• Best altitude: 1,000-2,400m above sea level
• Resistance: Most fungal diseases

Outstanding features: Tallest plants (2.5-3m) with the largest heads. Requires minimal pesticide application. Premium oil content attracts better prices.

4. Hysun 33 – Disease Fighter

Key specifications:

• Maturity: 105-115 days
• Oil content: 40-44%
• Yield potential: 14-18 bags per acre
• Best altitude: 800-2,200m above sea level
• Multiple disease resistance

Best for: Areas with high disease pressure. Consistently produces quality oil even under stress conditions.

5. Kenya Fedha – Local Success Story

Key specifications:

• Maturity: 120-130 days
• Oil content: 38-42%
• Yield potential: 13-17 bags per acre
• Best altitude: 1,000-2,500m above sea level
• Locally adapted

Special advantages: Bred specifically for Kenyan conditions. Shows excellent adaptation to local pests and diseases. Widely accepted by local oil processors.

Read Also: An Avocado Farming Business Plan Kenya 2025: Real Costs & Profit

Step-by-Step Sunflower Planting Guide

Plant at the onset of rainy seasons when soil moisture reaches 70% field capacity. In Kenya, this means:

• Long rains: March-April planting
• Short rains: October-November planting
• Irrigated farming: Any time with a proper water supply

While planting sunflowers, make your rows and planting holes on the following spacing;

• Row spacing: 75cm between rows
• Plant spacing: 30cm within rows
• Planting depth: 3-4cm deep
• Seeds per hole: 2-3 seeds initially

Step-by-step planting process:

1. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole at the proper depth
2. Cover lightly with fine soil
3. Water gently if the oil’s moisture is insufficient

Seed rate calculations: One kilogram of plants approximately 2-2.5 acres. Therefore, budget 0.4-0.5kg per acre for proper coverage.

Post-Planting Management

Emergence takes 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture. Monitor daily for even germination. Apply 5g DAP fertiliser 50Kgs) at least 14 days after sowing.

Gap filling must happen early. Replace missing plants within two weeks of emergence.

Fertiliser Application Schedule

Top-Dressing Schedule

Top-dressing (6 weeks after emergence):

• Apply NPK 17.17.17 at least 50 kgs per acre.
• Side-dress 10cm from the plant base
• Incorporate lightly and water if necessary

Second top-dressing (10 weeks after emergence):

• Apply 50kg CAN per acre.
• Focus on the flowering stage nutrition.n
• Ensure adequate soil moisture for uptake.e

Though foliar boosters can be applied, most of the time, fertilisers alone are enough.

Pest and Disease Management

Major Pests and Control Measures

African Bollworm (Most Destructive)

These are Green or brown caterpillars boring into flower heads and stems, where they make holes in the flower head, causing wilted stems and reduced seed formation.

To control, apply insecticides such as  Escort or Emmaron 6-8 weeks after sowing.

Cutworms

These are brown caterpillars that cut young plants at soil level, causing Severed seedlings lying on the ground, especially after rain. Drenching with thunder insecticide does wonders.

Aphids

These are Small green or black insects clustering on leaves and stems, causing Yellowing of leaves, stunted growth and virus transmission.

To control, apply insecticides such as Confidor.

The last main menace is birds, which in most of the time, is controlled through traditional methods such as employing workers to make noise.

Disease Management

Downy Mildew

This is a fungal disease that causes yellow patches on the upper surfaces. It tends to thrive in cool, humid conditions with temperatures below 20°C.

To control, apply copper-based fungicides such as Isaacopp to prevent and control. Also, plant varieties with high resistance, such as PAN 7031 or Record.

Rust Disease

Rust shows Orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides, often causing premature defoliation.

Preventive application with copper-based fungicides such as Isaacopp or Pyrcopp helps. Once affected, control is almost impossible.

Sclerotinia Head Rot

This is the worst disease in sunflower farming. It shows White cottony growth on flower heads and can cause 50-80% yield losses in severe cases.

To control, apply Carbendazim 50WP at 30g per 20L of water during flowering.

Keep frequent scouting and monitoring to help identify and control pests and diseases early.

Determining Harvest Maturity

What shows the sunflower is ready for harvesting?

• The back of the flower heads turns yellow-brown.
• Bracts (green parts behind the head) become brown and dry.
• Seeds turn black with white stripes.
• Moisture content drops to 20-25%.

Physiological maturity occurs 35-45 days after flowering. However, harvest timing affects both yield and quality significantly. For silage farmers, harvest early while the whole stock is green and the seeds are not dry.

Optimal Harvesting Techniques

For dry seeds harvesting.

1. Cut stems 30-40cm below flower heads
2. Handle carefully to prevent seed loss
3. Sort heads by size and maturity
4. Transport immediately to drying areas

The field drying method works in dry regions:

• Leave cut heads in the field for 3-5 days
• Turn heads daily for even drying
• Cover with nets to prevent bird damage
• Monitor the weather closely for rain protection

Post-Harvest Processing

Drying Requirements

Proper drying prevents mould and rancidity:

• Target moisture: 8-10% for safe storage
• Drying surface: Clean, elevated platforms
• Layer thickness: Single layer for uniform drying
• Turning frequency: Twice daily for even moisture removal

Threshing and Cleaning

Once dry, you can either thresh the seeds manually by beating the heads with sticks while in a bag.

For large-scale farms, use harvesting machines that combine harvesting and threshing operations in a single process.

Cost-Profit Analysis

Production Cost Breakdown (Per Acre)

Land preparation costs:

• Plowing and harrowing: KSh 7,000
• Manure (5 tons): KSh 11,000
• Labour for application: KSh 2,000
• Subtotal: KSh 20,000

Seed and planting costs:

• Certified seeds (0.5kg): KSh 2,000
• Planting labour: KSh 2,500

Subtotal: KSh 4,500

Field management costs:

• Weeding (2 times): KSh 8,000
• Top-dressing fertiliser: KSh 15,000
• Pest control: KSh 4,000
• Subtotal: KSh 27,000

Harvesting and processing:

• Harvesting and shelling: KSh 5,000
• Drying and storage: KSh 3,000
• Subtotal: KSh 8,000

Total production cost per acre: KSh 51,500

Revenue Projections

Yield assumptions (Conservative estimates):

• Average yield: 15 bags per acre
• Seed weight: 60kg per bag
• Current market price: KSh 4,500 per bag
• Total revenue: 15 × KSh 4,500 = KSh 67,500

Value addition opportunities:

• Oil extraction: Increases revenue by 40-60%
• Direct marketing: Eliminates middleman profits
• Organic certification: Premium prices up to 25%

Profitability Analysis

Basic profit calculation:

• Gross revenue: KSh 67,500
• Total costs: KSh 51,500
• Net profit: KSh 16,500
• Profit margin: 32%

Break-even analysis:

• Break-even yield: 11 bags per acre
• Safety margin: 36% above break-even
• Risk level: Moderate to low

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