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Sunflower
Sunflower popularly know as "Surajmukhi" is a familiar plant and has been grown
for its ornamental value in the hills of Chamba, Kullu, Shimla and Kinnaur districts.
Sunflower, as an oilseed crop, is a new introduction and has very high promise because of
its short duration, photo-insensitivity, wide adaptability and drought tolerance.
Since it has got 45-60 per cent good quality oil, rich in vitamin A and D and high amount of
quality protein in its cake therefore, it can play a major role in ameliorating the nutritional status of
the hill people. The cake ideally provides a nutritious feed for cattle and poultry. It is also used for
manufacturing baby foods. The oil has a good keeping quality and utilized in the manufacture of
vegetable ghee, soaps and medicines. The sunflower kernels are eaten raw or roasted.
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