Safflower (Kusum) in Karnataka: Area, Production & Yield
In 2024-25, Karnataka produced 13,908 tonnes of Safflower (Kusum) from 19,000 ha (average yield 732 kg/ha) - #2 among states and 32% of India's output on district-level estimates. Output has changed -43% since 2019-20.
| Year | Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Yield (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 26,591 | 24,554 | 923 |
| 2020-21 | 28,966 | 19,268 | 665 |
| 2021-22 | 41,812 | 33,846 | 809 |
| 2022-23 | 62,246 | 55,864 | 897 |
| 2023-24 | 17,000 | 12,665 | 745 |
| 2024-25 | 19,000 | 13,908 | 732 |
Top Safflower (Kusum)-Producing Districts in Karnataka (2024-25)
- Bidar: 7,488 tonnes (54%), yield 829 kg/ha
- Gadag: 1,874 tonnes (13%), yield 710 kg/ha
- Dharwad: 1,373 tonnes (10%), yield 739 kg/ha
- Kalaburagi: 1,202 tonnes (9%), yield 466 kg/ha
- Haveri: 676 tonnes (5%), yield 872 kg/ha
Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India (final estimates), via UPAg. State figures are the sum of district estimates.
Safflower (Kusum) Cultivation in Karnataka
Karnataka is the 2nd-largest producer of Safflower (Kusum) in India. Safflower (Kusum) (कुसुम) here is a oilseed crop with a Rabi (Sow: Oct-Nov, Harvest: Feb-Mar) season (Rabi (Sow: Oct-Nov, Harvest: Feb-Mar)). The prices above reflect wholesale rates at Karnataka's regulated APMC mandis; the actual rate you get depends on grade, moisture and the day's arrivals.
Safflower (Kusum) MSP & Procurement in Karnataka
The Minimum Support Price for Safflower (Kusum) is ₹6,540/quintal (Rabi 2026-27). Government agencies procure Safflower (Kusum) at MSP in Karnataka during the marketing season, so you should never sell below ₹6,540. Today's market modal price of ₹5,756 is below MSP - prefer a government procurement centre.
Where to Sell Safflower (Kusum) in Karnataka
Sell at your nearest APMC mandi - major ones include APMC Yeshwanthpur, Hubli APMC, Mysuru APMC, Kolar Tomato Market, Belagavi Mandi. Compare rates across 2-3 mandis the same day, grade and clean your produce for 15-20% higher bids, and register on eNAM to reach buyers beyond Karnataka. Use a Kisan Credit Card for storage finance to sell in the lean season.
Government Support for Karnataka Safflower (Kusum) Farmers
Karnataka Safflower (Kusum) growers can use PM Kisan income support, crop insurance, and irrigation subsidies (drip, solar pump). See everything on the Subsidy Finder.