Indian Castor Seed Production Sees Significant Growth Amid Favorable Conditions

In a promising development for the agricultural sector, India’s castor seed production is anticipated to rise by 9 percent in the 2023-24 season, reaching an estimated 20.54 lakh tonnes (lt), up from 18.81 lt last season. This increase is highlighted in the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India’s (SEA) latest Castor Crop Survey for the 2023-24 season.

The survey, executed by Delhi-based Indian Agribusiness Systems Ltd, underscores a noteworthy expansion in the area under castor cultivation to 10.05 lakh hectares (lh), up from 9.18 lh in the previous year, marking a 9 percent increase. This expansion is a testament to the growing importance of castor seed in India’s agricultural landscape.

Despite the broader acreage, average productivity is slightly adjusted to 2,044 kg/ha for 2023-24, marginally lower than the 2,048 kg/ha reported in the 2022-23 season. This slight adjustment reflects farmers’ yield expectations based on current crop conditions and underscores the challenges of maintaining high productivity rates.

SEA’s comprehensive survey, covering major castor-growing states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, combines field surveys and remote sensing data analysis to provide an accurate picture of the crop’s status. The survey’s findings were unveiled at a global castor conference hosted by SEA in Ahmedabad, highlighting the importance of this crop on the international stage.

In Gujarat, India’s leading castor-producing state, production is expected to slightly increase to 15.98 lt from 15.69 lt in the previous season. The survey also points to favorable soil moisture and temperature conditions conducive to healthy crop growth and development across the surveyed regions.

Rajasthan has seen a significant 40 percent increase in castor acreage, attributed to early sowing triggered by favorable June rains. This increase is expected to boost the state’s production to 3.66 lt, up from 2.48 lt last season.

Improved yields are also anticipated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, thanks to timely rainfall and suitable temperature conditions. The combined production in these states is estimated to climb to 0.83 lt from 0.57 lt in the previous year.

SEA’s executive summary highlights the dynamic nature of agricultural estimates, noting that yield re-validation rounds in March and April could lead to revised production numbers based on any adverse weather impacts or changes in final yields.

The association’s commitment to enhancing castor seed productivity through the establishment of model farms in Gujarat and Rajasthan over the past eight years reflects the sector’s potential for growth and innovation.

As the 2023-24 season progresses, India’s agricultural community remains optimistic about the castor seed crop’s potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economy and global market presence.