How I ventured into sunflower farming

Dr. Erisa Sarki Danladi, chairperson of the Sunflower Farmers Association in Gombe State, is driving the promotion of sunflower farming as a profitable and low-labor alternative to traditional crops like maize. Her journey into sunflower cultivation began after observing its potential while farmers intercropped it with millet and maize. Fascinated by the crop’s resilience and profitability, Dr. Erisa undertook learning proper cultivation techniques and transitioned her focus towards sunflower farming.
She continues to diversify by growing maize alongside sunflower, but her main efforts now center on scaling up sunflower production for both domestic use and export. The association she leads focuses on improving seed quality and boosting sunflower exports, especially the high-quality varieties grown in Kaduna and Gombe States, which have significant export potential.
A key advantage of sunflower farming is its low water requirement, making it ideal for dry-season farming with controlled irrigation. Additionally, sunflower seeds are sold by weight, adding a unique layer of profitability compared to other bulk crops. Dr. Erisa currently manages 10 hectares of sunflower farms, while the association collectively farms 50 hectares, primarily in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, which has favorable soil conditions for sunflower farming.
Sunflowers are grown twice annually, during the rainy and dry seasons, and farmers aim to maximize profits by participating in both cycles. With an estimated investment of N120,000 per hectare, focusing on high-quality seeds ensures profitability. The crop has diverse uses beyond seed sales, as sunflower oil is widely extracted for cooking and the seeds themselves are edible and nutritious.
Dr. Erisa emphasizes the benefits of organic fertilization, particularly using animal manure, which has become increasingly popular among farmers. However, she called for government support in providing more fertilizers and seeds to help sunflower farmers thrive.
Source: Dailytrust

Expert Review for Agri-food Stakeholders:
Sunflower farming offers several advantages for Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, especially in dry regions like Gombe. Key insights from this report include:
Water Efficiency: Sunflowers thrive in dry conditions, making them a viable option for farmers in arid regions seeking alternatives to water-intensive crops like maize.
High Export Potential: With superior sunflower varieties grown in Kaduna and Gombe, the crop offers strong export opportunities, contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural export diversification efforts.
Organic Farming Synergy: Sunflower farming’s compatibility with organic fertilizers, particularly animal manure, aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices.
Profitability through Diversification: Beyond seed sales, sunflowers also provide high-value products like sunflower oil, enhancing income opportunities for farmers.

Recommendations for Agri-food Stakeholders:

Advocacy for Government Support: Stakeholders should lobby for increased government investment in sunflower farming by providing access to high-quality seeds, irrigation infrastructure, and fertilizers.
Encouraging Export Partnerships: Establishing partnerships to explore international markets for sunflower exports could boost profits and help Nigeria tap into the growing global demand for sunflower oil and seeds.
Promotion of Organic Farming: Supporting organic fertilizer usage can further enhance the sustainability of sunflower farming and align with global eco-conscious consumer preferences.