Sunflower yield even under irrigated condition is low when soil drainage is impaired. An experiment was conducted to study the influence of vertical drains (with and without laterals) on the growth and yield of sunflower on saline vertisols. The plant height, total dry matter/plant, number of seeds and seed yield/plant recorded significantly higher values in vertical drain with laterals throughout the length of the drain (15 m)t than either with vertical drain or without drainage system during both the years of study. These attributes recorded higher values in plants nearer the drain than in plants away from it. Vertical + lateral recordad significantly higher seed yield of 11.2 and 13.3 q/ha during 1983-84 and 1984-85, respectively.   The kernel oil was also higher with vertical + lateral drainage system.