The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced a new advanced hybrid sunflower variety called Tilhan Tech-SUNH-2. This variety is designed to provide higher yields and better oil production in less time.
According to ICAR, farmers can achieve a yield of up to 15.7 quintals per hectare with this variety. It matures in 89 to 95 days, allowing for early harvesting.
This hybrid variety contains up to 38% oil, making it an excellent choice for oil production. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be sown both early and late, giving farmers the flexibility to plan their cultivation as per their needs.
Resistance to Diseases and Pests: A major benefit of Tilhan Tech-SUNH-2 is that its plants do not fall or break easily, which is a common issue in sunflower farming. Additionally, this variety is resistant to leafhopper pests and downy mildew disease, ensuring a healthier crop.
Where Can It Be Grown? ICAR states that this variety is suitable for cultivation in Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Northern and Southern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Farmers in these states can achieve good yields with this new variety. The goal of introducing this hybrid is to increase oilseed production in India, enhance farmers' income, and help the country become self-sufficient in oilseed production.
Sunflower Farming and Its Importance: There are more than 60 species of sunflowers worldwide, and they are grown in many countries, including the USA, Russia, Sweden, Egypt, India, and the UK. The USA is the largest producer. Sunflower oil is rich in nutrients and highly beneficial for health, making it a profitable crop for farmers.
Sunflower is also known as "Suryamukhi" because it follows the sun throughout the day. Its bright yellow flowers are not only beautiful but also highly valuable for oil production. Another advantage is that sunflowers can be grown in any season, making it a highly adaptable crop.
The new hybrid variety, Tilhan Tech-SUNH-2, offers farmers the opportunity for better yields and higher profits, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.
