India's castorseed output is forecast to increase 21 per cent this year to set an all time high record of 1.1 million tonnes due to a combination of higher acreage area and favourable monsoon.
The production of one of the major kharif oilseed crops was recorded at 909,000 tonnes in 2007-08. According to the latest survey conducted by Nielsen India for the Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA), the record high output was supported by an increase in acreage area especially in Gujarat where farmers shifted from other crops including cotton to castorseed for better realisation.
Total sowing area under castorseed increased 10 per cent from 748,000 hectare (ha) to 826,000 ha. Average yield for the year 2008-09 increased 9 per cent to 1,331 kg per hectare (ha) as against 1,216 kg per ha during the year 2007-08.
The acreage area in Gujarat recorded a phenomenal increase of 27 per cent to 451,000 ha from 354,000 ha while the output jumped similarly to reach 827,000 tonnes from 651,000 tonnes. Notably, per hectare yield in the state declined marginally by 0.2 per cent to 1,834 kgs in 2008-09 compared to 1838 kgs in the previous year.
Area under castor crop increased in North Gujarat by 22 per cent and Saurashtra 25 per cent. Except for Kachchh district, the production in all other districts has increased as compared to previous year. Average yield for the year 2008-09 is 1,834 kg per ha as against 1,838 kg per ha during the year 2007-08.
This year, above castor producing districts of Gujarat state have received 711 mm, 2 per cent higher than average rainfall in these districts.
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Rainfall during sowing period was favourable this year, the report said. Castor is a very sensitive commodity and subject to price volatility. One key factor responsible for this price volatility was lack of availability and access to a reliable data on crop size, supply, demand etc. used by traders, farmers, exporters and importers.
Total area under castor crop in Rajasthan for the year 2008-09 was recorded at 128,000 ha, an increase of 8 per cent as compared to previous year. This year, area under castor crop has decreased in Hanumangarh and Pali districts of Rajasthan while the area increased in Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur and Sirohi districts.
Estimated total production of this oilseed for Rajasthan for the year 2008-09 is estimated at 1.59 lakh tonnes, an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year. The survey finds decrease in production in Pali district and increase in Barmer, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh, Jalore and Sirohi districts.
Average yield in the state is estimated at 1248 kg per ha, a 3 per cent higher than previous year.
This year, the state received 325 mm average rainfall, 14 per cent less than average rainfall. Majority of the farmers opined that rainfall during sowing was inadequate this year.
Total sowing area of 1.92 lakh ha recorded an increase of 18 per cent from the previous year. Total production in the state is estimated at 0.71 lakh tonnes in 2008-09, a decreased by 15 per cent as compared to previous year.
Average yield for the year 2008-09 is 369 kg per ha, which is 3 per cent higher than the previous year.