R.Kalpana
Sastry, D.Rama Rao, V.Kiresur and R.Vijayakumari
Abstract
The paper attempts to analyze the future scenario of safflower in India and provides strategies to enhance its production. The historic data obtained from secondary sources was analyzed using statistical forecasting tools. The quantitative data is supplemented with qualitative assessment based on opinions of oilseed experts through brainstorming and delphi methods. The forecast indicates that average production of safflower will increase from the present 0.42 mt to about 0.48 mt by 2010AD. The crop will be grown under sub-optimal conditions.
Limited results of dryland research, uncertain
weather, low yields, lack of access to germplasm and a lack of appreciation for
basic research were some major deterrents identified. Sunflower and gram will be
the major competing crops for safflower. Production of an adequate quantity of
quality seeds of new varieties/hybrids will continue to be a major constraint as
the public sector will not be able to meet the quality seed requirement and the
private sector may not evince interest in seed production. However, it is
forecasted that about one fourth of the hybrids in use by 2010 AD may come from
private sector.
Some major challenges for safflower research and
development identified through this work are as follows: Development of
cytoplasmic male sterility based hybrids which can be commercially exploited;
identification of seedling markers in GMS based hybrids; developing pest-
resistant varieties/hybrids; establishing strong seed production chain to ensure
adequate production of quality seeds; and development of value added products
from safflower.
Strategies for increasing the production of the crop have been identified. A policy to focus basic research on safflower in rain-fed areas is considered critical to sustain the growth of safflower production in India.
Key words: forecasting production