Why Sunflowers is the crop to grow this year

The rainy season is here, and it's time to decide which crops you will be planting this season. There are many factors to take into consideration; what crops do I need to feed my family, soil type, rain patterns, size of the farm, money for inputs such as fertilizer, and how much you can get for your crops. At Monana Organic Limited, we are encouraging farmers to grow sunflowers. Not only do we want to create high-quality products, but we also want to make sure that the crops we use in our production are beneficial for our cooperating farmers. We want the farmers and communities to thrive because agriculture is the backbone of Zambia— and if farmers aren’t making a profit, everyone feels the impact. Here are the reasons why we believe sunflowers are the way to go:

1. Sunflower has Lower Input Costs

Sunflowers require fewer inputs compared to other crops like maize or soybeans. This makes sunflowers an ideal choice if you’re looking to reduce your upfront costs without sacrificing yields and profits.

2. High Profit Potential

Your profit depends on your yield of crops, and how much the buyers are willing to pay which can differ from year to year. So does that mean that the crop that yields the most, is the most profitable? Or does it mean that the crop where you get the most money pr. kg? The answer to both is no, and that is why you should look into the calculation of Return on Investment. Return on Investment measures how much profit you gain compared to what you spend. It’s like asking, “Was this worth it?”

With sunflowers, for every Kwacha you spend, you can expect to earn more than three times your investment back. Compared to other crops, such as maize, which provides less than 1 Kwacha in profit for every Kwacha invested, sunflowers stand out as the most profitable choice.

Read more about the economics of sunflower farming in our blog post: The Economic Benefits of Sunflower Farming.

3. Guaranteed Market with Monana Organic Limited

Continuing with the economic side of farming, when you plant the seeds, do you know what price you will be able to sell your harvest for? One of the biggest challenges farmers face is finding a buyer at the right price after harvesting. Monana Organic Limited removes that uncertainty by offering a guaranteed market for your sunflower harvest at fair market prices.

4. Resilience Against Changing Climate

Northern Province is part of Region III, which normally receives over 1000 mm of rainfall during the rainy season. However, climate change is making it more difficult to predict rainfall, and we’re seeing more dry spells and heavier rains than we’re used to. One of benefit of sunflowers; they are known for their climate resilience, meaning they can handle both dry spells and heavy rains better than other crops. Their deep root systems allow them to access water even during times when rain is scarce, making sunflowers a secure crop choice regardless of the weather.

5. Diversify Your Farming and Reduce Risks

Relying solely on one crop can be risky, especially with changing weather and fluctuating markets. By adding sunflowers to your farm, you can diversify your income streams and reduce risk. Sunflowers are not only a cash crop but also help improve soil health, making them great for crop rotation and increasing the productivity of your land for future crops.

6. Support from Monana Organic Limited

When you grow sunflowers with Monana, you’re not alone. We provide subsidized seeds, technical support, and guidance throughout the growing season to help you get the best possible yield. Our agricultural officers are here to answer your questions and ensure you have a successful harvest.

Grow Sunflowers, Grow Profits

Sunflowers are a smart choice for farmers in the Northern Province who want to maximize profit while minimizing costs. With lower input costs, higher profitability, guaranteed buyers, and support from Monana Organic Limited, growing sunflowers is a step towards a more prosperous farming future.

nterested in growing sunflowers and joining our initiative? Visit our Grow with Us page to learn more about our sunflower initiative and how you can be part of it.

Also, see our blog for other posts about sunflower farming and discover other benefits about Sunflower farming.