Prospects of Safflower as a Minor Oilseed Crop in Bangladesh

Rahman, Motior, and M. A. Akhtaruzzaman

 Abstract

Oilseed crops have always been an important segment in Bangladesh agriculture. In the last decade, total production of oilseed crops has increased, but the per capita availability and consumption has declined due to high population pressure. Bangladesh is facing an acute deficit in edible oil. Every year it produces 0.16 million ton of edible oil compared to the consumption of 0.50 million ton. The country has to import oils and oilseeds by expending 160 million US dollar every year. Rapeseed/mustard, sesame and groundnut are the major oilseeds, and safflower, sunflower, linseed, soybean are the minor oilseed crops grown in Bangladesh. Among these, safflower is hardier and more tolerant to drought conditions; with high yield potential (safflower productivity is 25 -30 % higher) compared to other oilseed crops except groundnut.  A wide variable of exotic and local lines/varieties were tested in the last decade in the Agricultural Research Organizations. It is clearly indicated that safflower could contribute significantly to meeting the large requirement of oilseed crops in Bangladesh.  There is also a great potential to increase safflower area by adopting inter- or mixed cropping with other short duration winter crops like chickpea, lentil, etc.

Keywords: Safflower, minor, oilseed, Bangladesh