Significant increase in acreage and good rainfall led to higher production

Gujarat is set to increase it share in castor production in the country. With a significant increase in area under cultivation, state's share is expected to be around 75% during 2008-09 against 71.5% in the previous year.

As per castor crop survey-2008-09, conducted by Solvent Extractors Association (SEA), Banaskantha district is the largest producer of the commodity and total output in the district this year is estimated to be around 2.05 lakh tonnes.

The total area under castor cultivation in Gujarat has also increased by 27% to 4.51 lakh hectares this year. In north Gujarat, it has been increased by 22% and in Saurashtra the rise is around 25%. Production in all other districts in the state except Kutch has increased this year. Average yield for the year is 1,834 kg per hectare as against 1,838 kg per hectare during previous year. Castor has fetched better prices last year, so number of farmers switched over to this crop this year, which the main reason for the increase in the total output. "Prices of castor seeds saw new highs in July-August, 08, when it touched Rs600 per 20 kg on the back of strong demand in domestic and international market. This attracted farmers to switch over to this crop," says Biren Vakil, commodity expert and managing director of Paradigm Commodity. However, this year farmers are not get such a high price for the produce, adds Vakil.

Good rainfall is also responsible for the bumper output. "Castor producing districts of Gujarat received 711 mm rainfall, which is 2% higher than average rainfall. Rainfall during sowing period was also favourable for the crop," said Govind Patel, a Rajkot-based castor trader. Castor crop production has increased at national level as well. Total area under castor cultivation in India for the year 2008-09 was increased by 10% to 8.27 lakh hectares. "The total production of castor seeds is estimated to be around 11 lakh tonne, an increase of 21% as compared to previous year. This will be the highest production in any year. Average yield for the year 2008-09 is 1,331 kg per hectare as against 1,216 kg per hectare during 2007-08 indicating rise of around 9%," said BV Mehta, executive director, SEA.

Sachin Kumar/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication