•                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  •                                        
  • Is Zimbabwe's sunflower production capacity underutilised?
  • So, the capacity is underutilised” said ZFU in response to the survey. Zimbabwe has ideal climatic conditions for sunflower production. The crop is good for the drier parts of the country. It has immense benefits that arise from a low input cost, short growing period, and tolerance to dry conditions.
  • Is sunflower a good crop in Zimbabwe?
  • Zimbabwe has ideal climatic conditions for sunflower production and the crop is good for the drier parts of the country. It has immense benefits that arise from low input costs, short growing period and tolerance to dry conditions. However, there is a consensus on the need for improved higher-yielding varieties.
  • Why is Sunflower not a viable crop for commercial production?
  • In the past seasons, sunflower has not been a crop of choice for commercial production for most farmers. The lucrative returns are expected to boost production levels. If production of the crop increases, the country’s cooking oil requirement would be addressed.
  • Is agri-value chain struggling to get sunflower seed on the market?
  • According to one oil industry player, Agri-Value Chain, with capacity to process 15 000 tonnes of sunflower seed annually, is struggling to get the commodity on the local market. “Over the past seasons, we have realised farmers have adequate capacity to supply sunflower needs but might not be interested,” said Agri-Value Chain spokesperson.
  • What are the factors affecting sunflower production?
  • The low levels of sunflower production has resulted in the oil industry and seed houses investing in alternatives such as soya bean and cotton. According to a statement from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), lack of market for the crop and highly informalised value chain were some of the factors affecting local production.
  • Is there a supply gap for sunflower seed?
  • Compare this with the current season yield estimate, a huge supply gap awaits. One oil industry player, Agri- Value Chain can process 15 000t of sunflower seed annually, but is “struggling to get the commodity on the local market” adding that farmers have adequate capacity to supply sunflower needs but might not be interested.