The terminal velocity of sunflower seed of three cultivars namely NSFH-36, PSF-118 and SH-3322 was evaluated as a function of moisture content between 6.0% and 14.0% d.b. At 6.2% d.b. moisture content the average value of terminal velocity for NSFH-36, PSF-118 and Hybrid SH-3322 variety of sunflower seed were 2.93, 2.54 and 2.98 m/s respectively. In the moisture range from 6% to 14% d.b., the terminal velocity of NSFH-36, PSF-118 and Hybrid SH-3322 variety of sunflower seed increased from 2.93 to 3.28, 2.54 to 3.04 and 2.98 to 3.53 m/s respectively. The corresponding value of drag coefficient varied from 0.18 to 0.24, 0.20 to 0.31 and 0.17 to 0.40 respectively for moisture range from 6% to 14% d.b. It appears from statistical analysis that variation in moisture content as well as variety either individually or in combination (interaction) influences terminal velocity and drag coefficient significantly. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.