"Plant Sunflower Between November And December To Optimise Yields"

The Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX) has advised farmers producing sunflower under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme to plant the crop between early November and late December to optimise yields.

Speaking during an interview with The Herald, oilseeds specialist in the department of Agritex Kennedy Mabehla said early planting and late planting have a negative impact on yields. He said:

To boost sunflower hectarage, it is important for farmers to understand the crop requirements to maximise the sunflower yield potential.

The optimum planting time for sunflower is between the beginning of November and the end of December.

This is ideally the time when we receive rain, which is best for plant germination and the establishment of a good plant population.

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The temperatures during this period will also be moderate to support plant growth and ultimately ensure good initiation. A warm, cool climate is optimal for sunflower production.

Farmers should remember not to plant early in the summer season (around October and very early in November as the crop may be affected by excessive heat leading to poor germination.

Even if the seeds were to germinate during this period, the high temperature and inconsistent rainfall normally experienced early in the season may cause plants to wither and die.

Zimbabwe requires at least 70 000 tonnes of crude sunflower oil annually, requiring annual production of at least 210 000 tonnes of sunflower seed on 262 000 hectares of land.