Safflower (Kusum) in Maharashtra: Area, Production & Yield
In 2024-25, Maharashtra produced 25,773 tonnes of Safflower (Kusum) from 42,390 ha (average yield 608 kg/ha) - #1 among states and 60% of India's output on district-level estimates. Output has changed +73% since 2019-20.
| Year | Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Yield (kg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 21,603 | 14,917 | 691 |
| 2020-21 | 21,438 | 12,206 | 569 |
| 2021-22 | 27,571 | 20,657 | 749 |
| 2022-23 | 31,279 | 23,977 | 767 |
| 2023-24 | 41,330 | 31,865 | 771 |
| 2024-25 | 42,390 | 25,773 | 608 |
Top Safflower (Kusum)-Producing Districts in Maharashtra (2024-25)
- Latur: 10,378 tonnes (40%), yield 543 kg/ha
- Nanded: 6,905 tonnes (27%), yield 851 kg/ha
- Osmanabad: 2,413 tonnes (9%), yield 450 kg/ha
- Hingoli: 1,668 tonnes (6%), yield 585 kg/ha
- Parbhani: 1,602 tonnes (6%), yield 625 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 Maharashtra
Maharashtra is the 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 Maharashtra's regulated APMC mandis; the actual rate you get depends on grade, moisture and the day's arrivals.
Safflower (Kusum) MSP & Procurement in Maharashtra
The Minimum Support Price for Safflower (Kusum) is ₹6,540/quintal (Rabi 2026-27). Government agencies procure Safflower (Kusum) at MSP in Maharashtra during the marketing season, so you should never sell below ₹6,540. Today's market modal price of ₹5,350 is below MSP - prefer a government procurement centre.
Where to Sell Safflower (Kusum) in Maharashtra
Sell at your nearest APMC mandi - major ones include Vashi APMC, Lasalgaon APMC, Pune APMC Market Yard, Nagpur APMC, Kolhapur APMC. 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 Maharashtra. Use a Kisan Credit Card for storage finance to sell in the lean season.
Government Support for Maharashtra Safflower (Kusum) Farmers
Maharashtra Safflower (Kusum) growers can use PM Kisan income support, crop insurance, and irrigation subsidies (drip, solar pump). See everything on the Subsidy Finder.