Sunflower seed is one of the most important oilseed grown in the world. EU-27, Russia, Ukraine, Argentina & India are the major producers of sunflower seeds. Ukraine's sunflower production for year 2009 was estimated at 6.5 million tonnes whereas for Russia it was 6.4 million tonnes and for Argentina it was estimated at 2.3 mmt.. EU-27 sunflower seed production was 7.1 million tonnes in 2008-09 whereas Indian 2006-07 production was around 1.6 million tons. Sunflower seed contributes more than 20% of EU-27 oilseeds production and is the biggest oilseed crop after rapeseed.