I.Development overview of the edible sunflower industry

After 17 years high-speed development, China sunflower industry ranks top in the world on five aspects. One is the largest edible sunflower growing country in the world with an annual average edible sunflower planting area of around 8 - 10 million mu.Two is the largest edible sunflower consumption country in the world, reaching an annual average turnover of about 1 billion Yuan, an annual turnover of domestic-grown edible sunflower commodities of 10 billion Yuan, and an annual average turnover of fried and processed edible sunflower seeds consumption of 40 billion Yuan. Three is the largest edible sunflower commodity export country in the world, with an export volume of 300 thousand tons in 2016 and 409.6 thousand tons in 2017, which is increasing year by year. Four is the the top ranking in terms of technology contents and economical value with the  national hybrid sunflower seed represented by SH363 and SH361. Five is the largest country in the world in terms of industrial employed personnel, with up to 1 million personnel engaged in sunflower planting and relevant services. The edible sunflower industry of China tops the world on five aspects, including planting area, consumption capacity, export trade, science and research level and the number of employees, and the world sunflower industry center is accelerating to shift to China.

II. The basic planting and production conditions of edible sunflower in China in 2017

1.Planting area and variety utilization: According to the survey, in 2017, the area of  edible sunflower planted in China was about 7 . 6 million mu, mainly in Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Gansu, northeast China and other areas. Inner Mongolia is still the largest edible sunflower planting area in China, with an area of about 5.69 million mu, covering 75% of the total planting area of China.

In 2017, the main varieties of edible sunflower in China mainly consisted of 363 series, 361 series and 601 series. According to statistics, 363 series accounted for 30% of the total planting area, 361 series accounted for 30%, 601 series 20%, and other varieties 20%.

The planting area of Hetao area in Inner Mongolia is around 3.46 million mu, and the planting varieties are mainly 363, 361 and 601. The planting area of Ulanqab and its surrounding areas is about 890 thousand mu, mainly consist of 363, 3638, 601 and t339. The planting area of Chifeng and its surrounding areas is about 1.2 million mu, mainly consist of 363, 361 and t339.

The planting area of Xinjiang is about 1.13 million mu. The planting varieties in Changji area are mainly 363, 361, 601, and Xianrui No. 10. The planting varieties in Altay are mainly 361, 363, and Xianrui No. 10.

The area of Gansu area is about 230 thousand mu. The planting varieties in Wuwei area mainly include 363 and 601, and the planting varieties in Jiuquan area are mainly 363, 601 and 6009.

The planting area of Northeast China is about 490 thousand mu, and its planting varieties are mainly 363, 3638, t339, Fengkui and Qinghua.

2.Production, quality and other conditions: In 2017, the total area of the disease, pest and weeds attack of the whole country was small and the harm degree was slight, with disease, pest and weeds attack only on the individual plots in some areas. Compared with that of the previous year, the average yield per Mu was relatively high, which reached around 150-240 kg, and the total output of the country was about 1.52 million tons.

3.Export trade: In 2017, China exported 409.6 thousand tons  sunflower seeds,covering 27% of the total annual output mainly to the Middle East, Europe and other regions.

4.Commodity inventory: At present, the raw material inventory of sunflower seeds remained was about 20% in 2017.

III. Analysis and prediction of 2018

1.Planting area and variety utilization: Influence by planting income, market demand, price fluctuations, consumption upgrades, climate, environment and other factors for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017 , in 2018, the edible sunflower planting area of China is expected to be about 650 - 7 million mu, decreased 10% - 15%.Main planting varieties will still be SH363, SH361 and 601 series.

2.Commodity yield, quality and price: Driven by the promotion of new varieties and mature cultivation techniques, the yield per mu is relatively stable, and the quality is expected to be better than those in previous years. The average price of SH363 series commodities is expected to be 7 - 8 Yuan/kg, and the average price of high-end raw materials is expected to be 11 - 13 Yuan / kg; common SH361 series commodities is estimated to be priced between 6 and 7 Yuan/ kg, the average price of high-end raw materials is estimated to be around 8 Yuan / kg.The price of 601 series will remain at 7 - 8 Yuan/ kg. High end raw material producing areas are mainly concentrated in Chifeng of Inner Mongolia and Altay area of Xinjiang.

3.Export trade: In 2018, the sunflower seed yield of China is expected to reach 1.35 million tons, with an estimated export volume of about 410 thousand tons, covering about 30% of the annual yield.

IV. Problems and suggestions of the industrial development

One is that the seed industry company should strengthen the breeding and promotion of high-yield and disease-resistant varieties, boost the scientific and technical training and the promotion of farmers' cultivation techniques,to improve the quality and quality of commodities,crack down on the expanding counterfeit varieties, and improve the taste and quality consistency of commodities.

Two is that the fried sunflower seeds companies should actively adapt to the updated demand of the consumer market, increase the proportion of healthy original seeds, and create highlights in the fields of sunflower seed medicine, beauty and nutritional value, etc.

Three is that through quality innovation, category innovation, achieve high-end products, establish brand, improve fine quality, enhance the premium of commodity seeds and the profit level of the fried sunflower seeds companies.