Sunflower is a widely adapted oil crop grown in Southwest Kenya. It is a high value cash crop and a source of high quality edible vegetable oil in Kenya. However, its production is low due to use of
non certified seeds, poor crop management practices and high bird damage. Most farmers in the region, own small parcels of land (1– 3 acres) and practice Intercropping with maize for household use and sunflower as a cash crop.

How to make money through sunflower farming in Kenya — *Photo Credit*

Get to Know Your Market

Before diving into any agricultural endeavor, it’s essential to understand the market dynamics. Research potential buyers such as local oil processing companies, cooking oil manufacturers, and even export markets. By grasping market demand, pricing trends, and consumer preferences, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions about cultivation, harvest, and sales.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When it comes to sunflower farming in Kenya, it’s crucial to select varieties that thrive in the local climate and soil conditions. Some recommended varieties for Kenya include Hysun 33, PAN 7347, and PAN 7035. Consulting agricultural experts or seed suppliers will help you identify the best varieties for your specific region.

Here’s a table showcasing some common sunflower varieties grown in Kenya, along with their characteristics and approximate yield per acre:

Variety	Characteristics	Yield per Acre
Hysun 33	– Early maturing variety – High oil content	800-1,000 kg
PAN 7347	– Tolerant to drought conditions – Good disease resistance	900-1,100 kg
PAN 7035	– High seed yield – Good oil quality	1,000-1,200 kg
PAN 7380	– Tall and vigorous growth – High biomass production	900-1,100 kg
Kenya Fedha	– Resistant to drought and diseases – Good oil content	800-1,000 kg
Hybrid 91-175	– Early maturing variety – High seed weight	1,000-1,200 kg
DK 66-84	– Excellent drought tolerance – Good oil quality	1,100-1,300 kg

Please note that the yield per acre may vary depending on various factors such as weather conditions, soil fertility, management practices, and individual farming techniques. The figures provided are approximate estimates based on general performance observations.

Prepare Your Land

Preparing the land is the first step towards a successful sunflower farm. Clear away weeds and debris, ensuring proper drainage to cater to sunflowers’ preference for well-drained soil. Conduct a soil test to determine its fertility and nutrient content. Based on the results, enrich the soil with organic matter and the necessary fertilizers to boost its quality.

Prepare land early in mid February for early planting between mid March and April long rains and in mid July for planting between Mid August and September.

Here are the steps on land preparation for sunflower farming in Kenya:

Clear the land of any debris. This includes removing rocks, branches, and other materials that could interfere with planting or harvesting.
Plow the land. This will loosen the soil and help to remove any weeds or unwanted vegetation. The depth of plowing should be at least 15 cm.
Harrow the soil. This will further break up the soil and create a fine tilth.
Add fertilizer, if necessary. The type and amount of fertilizer to apply will depend on the soil test results.
Roll the soil. This will help to firm the soil and create a level surface for planting.

Here are some tips for land preparation for sunflower farming in Kenya:

Choose a well-drained site with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Plant sunflowers in full sun.
Rotate crops to help prevent the build-up of diseases and pests.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of each step:

Clearing the land

The first step in land preparation is to clear the land of any debris. This includes removing rocks, branches, and other materials that could interfere with planting or harvesting. You can use a tractor or a hand hoe to clear the land.

Plowing the land

Once the land has been cleared, it needs to be plowed. This will loosen the soil and help to remove any weeds or unwanted vegetation. The depth of plowing should be at least 15 cm. You can use a tractor or a hand plow to plow the land.

Harrowing the soil

After the land has been plowed, it needs to be harrowed. This will further break up the soil and create a fine tilth. A harrow is a farm implement that is used to break up clods of soil and level the surface. You can use a tractor-mounted harrow or a hand-held harrow to harrow the soil.

Adding fertilizer

The type and amount of fertilizer to apply will depend on the soil test results. You can get a soil test done at your local agricultural extension office. The soil test will tell you the nutrient levels in your soil and how much fertilizer you need to apply.

Rolling the soil

After the fertilizer has been applied, the soil needs to be rolled. This will help to firm the soil and create a level surface for planting. You can use a tractor-mounted roller or a hand-held roller to roll the soil.

Planting and Spacing

Sunflowers are typically planted during the rainy season. Begin by preparing nursery beds and sowing the seeds about 2-3 centimeters deep. After germination, select healthy seedlings and transplant them to the main field. Maintain a spacing of 45-60 centimeters between plants and 75-90 centimeters between rows for optimal growth.

Planting time

The best time to plant sunflowers in Kenya is during the rainy season, which is from March to April or August to September. The plants need at least 450 mm of rain per year to grow well. If you are planting sunflowers during the dry season, you will need to irrigate them regularly.

Planting depth

The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm. If you plant them too deep, they may not germinate. If you plant them too shallow, they may be susceptible to drought.

Spacing

The recommended spacing for sunflowers in Kenya is 75-90 cm between rows and 45-60 cm within rows. This will give the plants enough space to grow and develop. If you plant them too close together, the plants will compete for resources and may not produce as well.

Number of seeds per hole

You can plant 3 seeds per hole, but you will need to thin the seedlings to one plant per hole once they reach 10-20 cm in height. This will help to ensure that the plants have enough space to grow and develop.

Important tips

Make sure the soil is moist before planting.
Water the seeds well after planting.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Thin the seedlings to one plant per hole once they reach 10-20 cm in height.
Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Water the plants regularly, especially during the dry season.
Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Sunflower Care

Successful sunflower farming requires regular monitoring and proper crop management. Weed control is essential, as sunflowers are vulnerable to weed competition. Employ a combination of hand weeding and selective herbicides to effectively manage weed infestations. During dry spells, ensure your crop receives sufficient irrigation to support growth and yield.

Watering: Sunflowers need regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Sunflowers need to be fertilized every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plants.
Weed control: Sunflowers are susceptible to weeds. You will need to weed the crop regularly to prevent weeds from competing with the plants for water and nutrients.
Pest control: Sunflowers are susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. You can control pests with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic pesticides.
Disease control: Sunflowers are susceptible to a variety of diseases, including downy mildew, powdery mildew, and rust. You can control diseases with fungicides.
Harvesting: Sunflowers are ready to harvest when the petals have fallen off and the seeds are dry. You can harvest the seeds by cutting the heads off the plants and letting them dry in the sun.

Notes

Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protect the plants from strong winds by staking them or planting them in a sheltered location.
Harvest the seeds when they are dry and store them in a cool, dry place.

Diseases and Pests Of Sunflower

Like any crop, sunflowers are prone to diseases such as rust, downy mildew, and Sclerotinia. Preventive measures, including crop rotation, disease-resistant varieties, and timely application of fungicides, can help mitigate these risks. Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, cutworms, and sunflower moths. Regular scouting and the use of approved insecticides will aid in controlling pest populations.

Here is a table of common diseases that affect sunflowers, along with their management and control:

Disease	Symptoms	Management	Control	Important notes
Alternaria leaf spot	Small, brown spots on the leaves that eventually enlarge and coalesce.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply foliar fungicides.	The disease is more severe in humid conditions.
Downy mildew	Yellowing and wilting of leaves, followed by the development of white, powdery growth on the underside of the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply foliar fungicides.	The disease is more severe in cool, wet conditions.
Powdery mildew	White, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply foliar fungicides.	The disease is more severe in dry, dusty conditions.
Rust	Orange or brown pustules on the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply foliar fungicides.	The disease is more severe in cool, wet conditions.
Verticillium wilt	Wilting and death of the leaves, starting at the bottom of the plant.	Plant resistant varieties.	There is no effective chemical control.	The disease is caused by a soil-borne fungus.
Botrytis head rot	Gray mold on the heads of sunflowers.	Harvest the heads when they are dry.	Apply fungicides to the heads.	The disease is more severe in cool, wet conditions.
White blister	White, blister-like growths on the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	There is no effective chemical control.	The disease is caused by a virus.

Here are some important things to know about sunflower diseases:

Sunflowers are susceptible to a variety of diseases, so it is important to monitor your crop regularly for signs of disease.
There are a number of cultural practices that can help to prevent the spread of disease, such as planting resistant varieties, rotating crops, and providing good drainage.
If you do find that your sunflowers have become infected with a disease, there are a number of chemical and biological controls that can be used to manage the disease.
It is important to consult with your local agricultural extension office for specific recommendations on how to manage sunflower diseases in your area.

Here is a table of common pests that affect sunflowers, along with their management and control:

Pest	Symptoms	Management	Control	Important notes
Aphids	Small, green or black insects that suck sap from the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.	Aphids can cause the leaves to wilt and yellow.
Cutworms	Night-feeding caterpillars that cut the stems of young plants.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply a soil drench with Bt insecticide.	Cutworms can kill young plants before they have a chance to establish themselves.
Leaf miners	Small, white larvae that tunnel through the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Inspect the leaves regularly and remove any infested leaves.	Leaf miners can cause the leaves to wilt and yellow.
Slugs and snails	Mollusks that feed on the leaves and stems of sunflowers.	Remove slugs and snails by hand.	Apply a bait containing metaldehyde or iron phosphate.	Slugs and snails can cause significant damage to sunflowers.
Spider mites	Tiny, eight-legged insects that suck sap from the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.	Spider mites can cause the leaves to become stippled and yellow.
Thrips	Tiny, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves.	Plant resistant varieties.	Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.	Thrips can cause the leaves to become stippled and yellow.

Here are some important things to know about sunflower pests:

Sunflowers are susceptible to a variety of pests, so it is important to monitor your crop regularly for signs of pests.
There are a number of cultural practices that can help to prevent the spread of pests, such as planting resistant varieties, rotating crops, and providing good drainage.
If you do find that your sunflowers have become infested with pests, there are a number of chemical and biological controls that can be used to manage the pests.
It is important to consult with your local agricultural extension office for specific recommendations on how to manage sunflower pests in your area.

Sunflower Harvesting Time

The moment of harvest arrives when the sunflower heads turn brown and the backside of the head appears yellowish. Using sharp tools, cut the flower heads, leaving an ample stalk for convenient handling. To ensure proper drying, place the harvested heads in a dry and well-ventilated area.

Harvesting Time: Sunflowers are typically ready for harvest when the backside of the flower head turns yellowish or brown, and the seeds have matured. The best indicator is when the seeds in the central disk of the flower head have changed from green to a yellowish or dark brown color. Additionally, the petals surrounding the seed disk may begin to dry and fall off. Harvesting too early can result in immature seeds with low oil content, while delaying harvest may lead to seed shattering and losses.
Manual Harvesting: For small-scale farming, sunflowers can be harvested manually using sharp tools such as sickles or knives. Cut the flower heads with a clean, swift motion, leaving a sufficient stalk for ease of handling during further processing. It is advisable to wear gloves during harvesting to protect your hands from rough stalks and potentially prickly leaves.
Mechanical Harvesting: In large-scale sunflower farming, mechanical harvesting methods are employed to improve efficiency. Combines equipped with specialized sunflower harvesting attachments can effectively remove the flower heads, separate them from the stalks, and collect the seeds. Mechanical harvesting reduces labor requirements and speeds up the overall process.
Drying the Harvest: After harvesting, it is essential to dry the sunflower heads properly to reduce moisture content and prevent mold formation. Hang the harvested flower heads upside down in a dry and well-ventilated area, such as a barn or shed. Allow them to dry naturally until the seeds become firm and can be easily separated from the flower head. Thorough drying is crucial for preserving seed quality during storage.
Seed Extraction: Once the flower heads are fully dried, it’s time to extract the seeds. There are different methods you can use:
- Threshing: Threshing involves beating or rubbing the flower heads to dislodge the seeds. You can use a clean tarp or a hard surface to spread the flower heads and use a stick, flail, or a threshing machine to separate the seeds from the head.
- Mechanical Seed Extraction: Mechanical seed extractors, commonly available in agricultural equipment, can remove seeds from the flower heads efficiently and quickly. These machines use a combination of rotating belts, brushes, and sieves to separate the seeds.

Post-Harvest Handling and Processing Sunflower

To reduce moisture content and prevent mold formation, thoroughly dry the sunflower heads. Once dry, extract the seeds from the heads by threshing or using a mechanized seed extractor. Clean the seeds diligently to remove any impurities or debris. It’s vital to store the seeds in clean, dry, and ventilated bags or containers to prevent moisture absorption and seed deterioration.

Here are some key aspects to consider:

Cleaning and Sorting: After seed extraction, it’s essential to clean the seeds to remove any remaining debris, plant materials, or impurities. Use seed cleaning equipment such as screens, air separators, and gravity tables to achieve a clean seed lot. This process improves seed quality, reduces the risk of contamination, and enhances market value.
Drying: Even after drying the flower heads, some moisture may remain in the seeds. To reduce the moisture content further, dry the seeds to a safe storage level. Spread the cleaned seeds in thin layers on clean and dry surfaces. Provide adequate ventilation and ensure air circulation to facilitate drying. Regularly check the moisture content using a moisture meter until the desired level (typically around 8-10%) is reached.
Storage: Proper storage conditions are vital to maintain seed quality during the storage period. Use clean, dry, and ventilated bags or containers to store the sunflower seeds. Ensure the storage area is free from pests, insects, and rodents. Maintain a cool and dark environment to minimize exposure to light and heat, which can cause seed deterioration. Regularly monitor stored seeds for signs of spoilage and address any issues promptly.
Oil Extraction: Sunflower seeds are commonly used for oil extraction due to their high oil content. Oil extraction can be done through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction methods. Mechanical pressing involves applying pressure to the seeds, squeezing out the oil, and separating it from the solid residue (cake). Solvent extraction utilizes chemical solvents to dissolve the oil from the seeds, followed by evaporation to recover the oil.

Marketing and Sales

To sell your sunflower seeds, explore various marketing channels. Establish connections with local oil processing companies, cooking oil manufacturers, and other potential buyers. Building relationships with bulk buyers can lead to better prices. Additionally, consider participating in agricultural fairs and exhibitions to showcase your produce and connect with potential customers.

Value Addition Opportunities

Apart from selling raw sunflower seeds, think about value addition opportunities. Setting up your own oil processing unit to extract oil from the seeds can be a lucrative venture. Additionally, you can explore producing sunflower-based products like snacks, sunflower seed butter, and animal feed, broadening your revenue streams.