On the back of higher acreage and firm prices, India's castorseed output is likely to see a quantum jump in 2010-11. Industry players estimate castor production to be more than 10 lakh tonnes in 2010-11, which, according to The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) is a record.
"Castor production in India is predicted to cross 10 lakh tonnes mark this year. We estimate the production to rise by 1.25-1.50 lakh tonnes this year," said BV Mehta BV Mehta, executive director, SEA, a national level body of oilseed industry.
Agrees Harish Pandya, vice-president, National Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (NMCE) and a castor expert, "Castor production is likely to increase by one lakh tonnes this year."
Despite adverse climatic conditions, India's castorseed output in 2009-10 stood at 9.70 lakh tonnes, which is seen up by around 1.25-1.50 lakh tonnes in 2010-11. "The estimate looks achievable as the average yield in India is around 1,200 kg per hectare. Considering higher acreage and favourable weather conditions, it will not be surprising if output touches 11 lakh tonnes mark," added Mehta.
According to Harish Pandya firm prices, favourable weather conditions and increase in area under castor crop are some of the factors responsible for higher castorseed production this year.
Data available with SEA show that area under castor crop across the country has risen by 15 per cent or 1.25 lakh hectares at 8.87 lakh hectares in 2010-11 as compared to 7.63 lakh hectares in 2009-10.All the major castor growing states have an increase in castor acreage. Area under castor crop in Gujarat, the top castor producing region, has surged to 5.19 lakh hectares from 4.54 lakh hectares in previous year.
While Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh is estimated to have brought 1.26 lakh hectares and 1.91 lakh hectares area under castor crop this year as against 1.17 lakh hectares and 1.46 lakh hectares respectively in 2009-10.
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Higher acreage is a result of record castorseed prices in various markets, which lured many farmers to take up castor sowing this Kharif season.
The spot prices of castor galloped to touch an all time high of Rs 850-860 per 20 kg in August-September, a peak castor sowing period. Currently, prices are hovering around Rs 750-760 per 20 kg. Increased demand of edible oil from China and European markets pushed up castorseed prices to a record level.