Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a promising oilseed crop with significant potential to enhance edible oil security and support sustainable agriculture in India. During early 1990s self-sufficiency in oilseed was achieved in India through Yellow Revolution but was not sustained for long. India ranks among the world’s leading producers of oilseed crops but it still remains one of the largest importers of edible oils. Sunflower is known for its high-quality oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E additionally multiple value-added products such as sprouts, roasted seeds, oil cake, and bioenergy resources can be obtained. Its by-products can be efficiently utilized in industrial applications, livestock feed, and natural dye production, contributing to a circular bio-economy. Overall, sunflower cultivation can improve cropping intensity, enhance farmer income, and reduce import dependency, it can be used as a significant element in Agro Tourism, making it an important crop for sustainable agricultural development in India.
Sunflower Oilseed crop, Edible oil, Value addition, Sustainable agriculture, Bio Economy, Biodiesel, Natural fibre
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