Castor output to dip on low demand

Castor seed production for 2007-08 is likely to go down in Gujarat as the demand for certified castor seeds has decreased by 20 per cent this year as farmers are asking for cotton seeds.

About 90 per cent of the country's certified seeds are produced in Gujarat, which is also the world's largest producer of castor seeds.

Talking about the certified seed production in Panchmahal, which produces near about 60-70 per cent of certified seeds in the state, a senior official of agriculture department said, "This year we have registered a 20 per cent shrink in the area and production of certified seeds of castor because of decreased demand from farmers."

"The total area of certified seeds of castor under the state government's seed project was 9,641 hectares in 2005-06, out of which 4,664 hectares were in Panchmahal district. Cultivation by private companies was on 5,000 hectares. The production of certified castor seeds in the state was 44,247 quintals, with 20,000 quintals alone from Panchmahal. However, in 2006-07, we have registered a decline of 20 per cent in the area and production of certified castor seeds that will be in the market by the month-end," the official said.

"This is a clear indication that castor cultivation will also go down in 2007-08. There has been a substantial decline in the demand of certified castor seeds from the farmers this year as they have shifted to cotton. Demand from major castor cultivating areas such as Mehsana, Banaskantha and Saurashtra and Kutch has gone down substantially this year," he said.

About 90 per cent of castor seed and oil is produced in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Castor seed and oil are also exported to various countries, especially the European Union, the US and Japan. World castor seed production remains between 12 and 18 lakh tonnes. India is the major producer with 64 per cent share, followed by China and Brazil with 23 per cent and 7 per cent share respectively.