About Safflower
Safflower (kardi) is a hardy rabi oilseed whose oil is low in saturated fat; it gave its name to the Saffola brand. Its area has shrunk, but it remains important on the black soils of the Deccan.
Where Safflower Is Grown
The main growing states and districts are listed below. Tap a state for its markets, season, agencies and buyers.
| State | Main districts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Solapur, Latur, Osmanabad (Dharashiv), Beed | The leading safflower state. |
| Karnataka | Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Bagalkot | Safflower on black soils. |
| Telangana | Medak, Sangareddy, Vikarabad | A small safflower crop. |
How It Is Grown
Safflower is grown on stored soil moisture after the monsoon and tolerates drought.
Season
Rabi: sown September–October, harvested February–March.
Uses and Buyers
Edible oil makers, birdseed buyers and natural-colour makers (from the florets).
Quality and Price
Graded by oil content and purity.
Government Buying
MSP; procurement when prices fall. Procurement is organised by central and state agencies when market prices fall below the support price.
Companies, Markets and Bodies
- Marico LtdSaffola oilsAboutExplore
- Solvent Extractors' Association of IndiaIndustry bodyAboutExplore
Related: All crops · All states
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