Sunflower farming in Kenya is primarily done for oil extraction, with the oil being used for cooking, soap making, and other industrial purposes. The oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
How many sunflower seeds does Kenya produce a year?
The country produces approximately 10,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds annually, with most of the production coming from small-scale farmers. Sunflower farming in Kenya is primarily done for oil extraction, with the oil being used for cooking, soap making, and other industrial purposes.
Where do sunflowers grow in Kenya?
Sunflower farming in Kenya is popular in the South West parts of though other parts of the country also practice it. Given that it is a drought resistant crop, sunflower can grow in any area. Sunflower does well in acidic soils with a PH of 6.0 to 7.5. The crop is also nutrient-intensive, so the soils should be rich in nutrients.
How much does a liter of sunflower oil cost in Kenya?
The market price of a liter of sunflower oil is Kshs. 250. Therefore, you can make up to Kshs. 40,000 per bag. Farmers also sale sunflower cakes used as animal feed at Kshs. 40 per kilogram. The sunflower farming profit in Kenya is relatively higher compared to other cash crops like maize.