Is safflower (kusum) profitable and what yield and price range can I expect?

Safflower (kusum) gives a low to moderate seed yield of a few quintals per acre, but since it is usually grown rainfed on stored moisture with few inputs, the return relative to cost can be reasonable on dryland. Safflower has an MSP, and the oil is valued as a healthy edible oil, while the petals also have a small market. Prices are modest and vary by year. Its big advantage is reliability in dry years when irrigated crops struggle. Profit is moderate and depends on aphid control, which decides the actual seed set. Check the current safflower MSP and local mandi rate, and ask your KVK or local growers for realistic yields before deciding rather than assuming high prices.