The harvest of sunflower crops across 54 hectares in Semberija is nearing completion, with farmers expressing satisfaction with yields of nearly three tons per hectare. Unlike corn, sunflowers are tolerant to drought, require less intensive cultivation, and offer a predetermined price due to pre-arranged contracts, making this oilseed increasingly attractive to Semberija’s farmers alongside traditional crops.
The yields of sunflowers destined for oil production, with the remaining byproducts used for livestock feed, are promising—averaging 2.9 tons per hectare with moisture levels between seven and nine percent. Given the uneven germination following planting and the prolonged drought, farmers are content with the results.
With a pre-sowing contract price of 80 fenings per kilogram, sunflower cultivation has proven to be much more profitable compared to corn.
The harvest of seed sunflowers, which has been contracted for the Institute in Novi Sad, is set to begin in about ten days.
Sunflowers also require less fertilization and protection compared to other crops, making them valuable in crop rotation, particularly in fields where corn is continuously planted.
“Given that we have a situation here where shattercane is a dominant weed that is nearly impossible to eradicate, especially in corn, sunflower is excellent for crop rotation because such weeds can be effectively managed in it,” said Gordana Antić, an agricultural engineer.
Producers planning to plant or expand sunflower cultivation next year are further encouraged by the support from the Ministry of Agriculture of Republika Srpska, which offers incentives of 400 KM per hectare.
Source: RTRS
