Farmers told to sell sunflower upon harvest

As there are limited chance for the prices to increase, the growers have been recommended to sell sunflower seeds upon harvest, as the econometric analysis carried out by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University revealed that the prices would hover around Rs.33-35 per kg from mid-September to November.
To facilitate farmers in taking better marketing decision on sale or stocking of sunflower seeds, Agro Marketing Intelligence and Business Promotion Centre in TNAU analyzed 13 years price data at Vellakoil Regulated market,the study said.
Sunflower seed production in Tamil Nadu was around 24,622 tonnes from an area of 13,610 hectares during 2011-12, with Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Tuticorin, Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Tirupur districts contributing about 79 per cent of area and 80 per cent of the production.

Sunflower is raised in two seasons--October-November and April-May and trading is prominent in the peak seasons of March-May and June-August.Now, April-May-sown crop started flowing into the markets of Tamil Nadu. The major market centres of the state are Vellakoil, Moolanur and Kodimudi.