Top 5 Highest Sunflower Producing States in India

Sunflower is one the significant oil seed crops grown in India. The flower is cultivated in India mainly for its oil. Sunflower oil is widely used and preferred in India because of its health benefits, it is low in cholesterol content. The demand for sunflower oil in India is very high; this is the reason why we export the oil from other countries. Yet the farmers in India are doing excellent work in the cultivation of sunflowers in India. Despite many challenges, a few key states are contributing to sunflower production in India. Here is the list of the top sunflower-producing states in India:

1. Karnataka

Karnataka will remain the largest producer of sunflowers in India in 2025, a position it has held for many years. It contributes to nearly 50 per cent of total sunflower production in India. The state’s estimated production is around 103400 tons annually. Bellary, Raichur, Koppal, Dharwad, and Haveri regions of the state are key districts in sunflower production in Karnataka. The state’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for sunflower cultivation, especially in districts like Bellary, Raichur, and Koppal. The Karnataka government has also supported sunflower farmers with subsidies, advanced farming techniques, and better irrigation facilities, ensuring consistent production growth.

2. Orissa

The next state on our list of highest sunflower production in India is Orissa. Orissa takes second place in sunflower production producing 20960 tons annually. The state’s environmental conditions such as rainfall, fertile soil and temperature are ideal for cultivating sunflowers. Orissa contributes to nearly 10 of the total sunflower output in the country. However, in recent times the state has seen a decline in the production of sunflower due to limited marketing opportunities and processing facilities. Despite these challenges, the sunflower farmers are working hard to improve their production capacity.

3. Haryana

Haryana, primarily known for its wheat and rice production, has also emerged as a major sunflower-producing state. Haryana ranks third on the list with the production capacity of 16800 tons and contributing to 7.9 per cent of country’s total output. The state’s farmers have adopted sunflower cultivation due to the availability of suitable soil types and a growing demand for sunflower oil in the region. Sunflower production in the state was initiated as part of crop diversification and has become a large-scale production in recent times. Districts like Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Yamunanagar have seen substantial growth in sunflower farming, supported by government schemes promoting oilseed production.

4. Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a key player in India’s oilseed production and is also a significant producer of sunflower. Districts like Solapur, Latur, and Osmanabad are major contributors to the state’s sunflower output. The state contributes 12120 tons to India’s total sunflower production in the country. Maharashtra’s dryland farming techniques and innovations in agricultural practices have helped increase sunflower yields in regions that were traditionally not associated with the crop. The state has also made efforts to improve irrigation facilities in the state that have increased sunflower production in the state.

5. Bihar

The last state on our list of highest sunflower-producing states in India is Bihar. Bihar produces nearly 11480 tons of sunflowers in India and it contributes to 5.4 per cent of the total country’s sunflower output. The economic significance of the crop is the reason why sunflower was produced in Bihar. Further, the state has ideal soil and climate requirements for the cultivation of sunflower thus contributing to the overall production of the state. Bihar sunflower production has been pretty steady over the years and it is likely to remain the same for the coming years.

Conclusion

Sunflower production in India is essential for meeting the growing demand for healthy edible oils. In 2025, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Haryana stand as the top 5 sunflower-producing states, each contributing significantly to India’s sunflower oil industry. Sunflower also grows very fast and can be fully grown within 70 to 100 days contributing to economic growth in India. These states have benefited from favourable climatic conditions, government initiatives, and advancements in agricultural practices. As the demand for sunflower oil continues to rise, these states are poised to further enhance their production capacities, playing a key role in India’s agricultural economy.