Farmers in Argentina expand sunflower planting due to drought resilience

Sunflower is gaining importance in Argentina as farmers increasingly shift toward the crop. According to experts from INTA, its strong adaptability to dry conditions is a key driver behind this trend.

In the 2025/26 season, sunflower planted area exceeded 3 mln ha, with production projected at 7.2 mln tonnes, up nearly 28% year-on-year. A significant expansion has been observed in Santa Fe province, where acreage has grown markedly.

Analysts point out that the increase is driven by a combination of agronomic, economic, and market factors. Strong demand from the oil processing industry continues to support farmer interest in the crop.

Sunflower also plays an important role in crop rotation systems, helping diversify production and enabling follow-up crops such as wheat and second-crop soybeans, improving overall farm efficiency.

Research findings indicate that earlier planting dates result in higher yields and increased oil content. At the same time, variability among hybrids highlights the importance of selecting the right genetic material based on local conditions and farming practices.

Tags: sunseed, Argentina