Rostov region is increasing sunflower production, with a stable level of crop yields expected to remain high.

General Trends

Rostov Oblast is one of the leading regions in sunflower production in Russia. In 2024, its sown areas rank third after the Saratov and Orenburg Oblasts, accounting for 9.7% of the total area.

There is no data on the harvest for 2024 yet, but in 2023, Rostov Oblast was the leader in sunflower production volume in Russia, harvesting 2,323.8 thousand tons (13.5% of the total volume in the country).

In 2023, Rostov Oblast also held one of the leading positions in yield, reaching 25.0 c/ha after processing. It ranks third in this indicator after the Voronezh Oblast and Krasnodar Krai.

Sunflower Sown Areas in Rostov Oblast

In 2024, sunflower sown areas in Rostov Oblast increased by 0.3% (3.3 thousand ha) to 945.1 thousand ha, while overall in the country, the areas decreased. This is due to the decline in global oil prices during the sowing campaign.

Over the past 5 years, the areas have increased by 27.8% (205.8 thousand ha), and over 10 years, by 80.0% (420.0 thousand ha). Currently, the areas are lower than in 2007-2009, but thanks to higher yields, the harvest remains at a high level.

You can see the dynamics of areas across all regions of Russia by following this link: Sown areas of main agricultural crops in Russia from 2001 to 2024 (ab-centre.ru).

Sunflower Yield in Rostov Oblast

The sunflower yield in Rostov Oblast reached record levels in 2023, amounting to 25.0 c/ha after processing, which is 26.2% higher than in 2022. Over the past 5 years, the yield has increased by 31.5%, and over 10 years, by 74.8%.

Rostov Oblast is one of the most favorable regions in Russia for sunflower cultivation. However, without the use of modern technologies, the yield would remain at low levels observed in 2007-2012. The increase in yield over the past 10 years is due to innovative solutions in seed production.

Gross Sunflower Seed Harvest in Rostov Oblast

In 2023, the gross sunflower seed harvest in Rostov Oblast reached 2,323.8 thousand tons, which is 26.0% higher than the previous year. Over the past 5 years, the harvest has grown by 73.3%, and over 10 years, tripled.

In 2024, no new yield records are expected in Rostov Oblast, but the output per hectare will continue to remain at a high level. A 6.5% decrease in the average sunflower yield in Russia is projected.

If the yield in Rostov Oblast decreases proportionally to this level (to 23.4 c/ha after processing), then the sunflower harvest will amount to 2,179.8 thousand tons. If the yield in Rostov Oblast drops to the average values of the last 5 years (to 22.1 c/ha), then the harvest will be 2,058.1 thousand tons. In both cases, the volume will be higher than in previous years.