Sunflower seed import programme begins

THE ARRIVAL in Durban at the beginning of this month of 17 250 tons of sunflower seed from the Ukraine marked the start of a 50 000 ton import programme to meet the local crop shortage.
Importation of the seed will also ensure that seed crushers have sufficient seed in stock until the new season crop is harvested from March.
A further two vessels are currently being negotiated to bring in the balance of the product.
With the current high price of sunflower seeds many farmers have switched from planting maize to sunflower seed which could lead to a larger 2004 crop. However, if the current hot and dry weather continues the 2004 crop could suffer necessitating a far greater volume of imports.