Farmers in India’s Odisha state Ssuccessfully combine rice and sunflower production

Farmers in the village of Chamaratira in Keonjhar district, Odisha, have been successfully cultivating sunflowers after harvesting rice for nearly a decade, providing their households with cooking oil while generating additional income from surplus sales. The initiative has become a notable example of self-reliant and sustainable farming.

After harvesting rice in December, local growers do not leave their fields idle. Instead, they sow sunflower seeds sourced from the neighboring Bhadrak district. The crop matures within two to three months, allowing farmers to make efficient use of their land between rice-growing seasons and secure an extra harvest.

According to farmers, sunflower cultivation is relatively simple and cost-effective. Seeds are planted after basic land preparation, while fertilizers are applied only once or twice during the growing season. The harvested seeds are processed at local oil extraction facilities, producing pure sunflower oil for household use and commercial sale.

Demand for the locally produced oil remains strong. After meeting their own annual cooking oil needs, farmers sell the surplus at around ₹170 per liter. Additional revenue is generated from sunflower meal, a by-product of oil extraction widely used as feed for livestock and fish. Fish farmers particularly value the product for its perceived benefits in promoting faster fish growth.

Beyond its economic advantages, sunflower cultivation also contributes to soil health. After harvesting the flower heads, the remaining plant material decomposes naturally, enriching the soil ahead of the next rice crop. Despite the success of the practice, local farmers say they have received limited government support, including a lack of access to quality seeds, technical assistance, and market linkages. Regional authorities have indicated they will consider introducing support measures for sunflower growers in future seasons.

Tags: rice, India, sunseed