Castor

03 February 2018 10:04 AM

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop and is grown especially in arid and semi arid region. It is reported to have originated in the tropical belt of both India and Africa. Castor is scientifically known as Ricinus communis L., is cultivated around the world because of the commercial importance of its oil.

Historically, Brazil, China and India have been the key producing countries meeting global requirements. It is cultivated in 30 different countries on commercial scale, of which India, China, Brazil, USSR, Thailand Ethiopia and Philippines are major castor growing accounts for majority of the world's production.

Economic Importance

Castor seed contains 40% to 60% oil, which is rich in tryglycerides called ricinolein.

Castor oil is used as a lubricant in high-speed engines and airplanes. Hydrogenated castor oil is used in polishes, ointments, waxes, printing inks, cosmetic, hair dressings, soaps and disinfectants. It is also used for medicinal and lighting purposes. Castor oil is used in many veterinary uses.

Castor oil cake is rich in protein but due to the presence of `ricin’ it is unfit for cattle feed. It is used as manure.

Climate and Cultivation

Castor is drought tolerant and grows well in a wide range of rainfall and climatic conditions. It requires moderately high temperatures with low humidity throughout the growing season to produce maximum yields. The castor crop duration varies between 145 and 280 days depending upon the variety.

In India, it is usually cultivated as a kharif crop though cultivated as a rabi crop in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is advisable to sow the seed immediately after the onset of monsoons in the second fortnight of June. Castor is ready for harvesting around Dec-Jan.

Crop Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kharif

Rabi

	Sowing
	Harvesting

World Scenario

India is the world's single largest producer of castor seed accounting for more than 85% followed by China with about 7% and Brazil with about 5% of world castor seed output. There has been a consistent increase in output primarily on account of rise in levels in India. In recent years, however, Brazil and China have experienced stagnation in Castor crop.

Domestic Scenario

Domestic production trends indicated that the output was more or less stable at around 8-9 lakh tonnes a year until mid-2000s, accounting for about 85 per cent of the world's production. However, output rose rather sharply from 2010-11 onwards with an equally steep rise in production from Gujarat.

Major Producing States

Among various states, Gujarat occupies the first place contributing for 80 per cent of total production although acreage accounts for less than 50 per cent of total area cultivated in the country. Andhra Pradesh used to be the second largest producer until 2005-06 but Rajasthan outpaced Andhra Pradesh with a significant rise in its castor output and occupied the second place from 2006-07 onwards. In addition, other minor producers include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa.

Important castor varieties

Andhra Pradesh: Aruna, Bhagya, Saubhagya, Dwarf Mutant, Short Mutant

Karnataka: H.C. 6, Rosy, GCH –4

Gujarat: GCH 3, GCH 2, J-44, GC 2

Major Markets

Spot markets:

Gujarat: Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Gondal, Gadwal, Bhabar

Andhra Pradesh: Jedcherla

Futures markets

Futures trading in castor seed is offered on NCDEX, NMCE and Rajkot Seed Oil & Bullion Merchants (RBOT).

External Trade

Castor seed is not exported but castor oil and meal are exported. Exports of oil and meal are rising steadily. Meal exports are doubled during the past five years. India being the single largest producer oil castor production in the world becomes the major source of castor products.

Major export destinations: South Korea, Taiwan and France

Major import sources: NA

Factors Influencing Prices:

Expected demand: Average level of consumption and exports during the past few years
Crop acreage: Extent of area sown under the crop
Production: Estimated output based on the acreage and weather conditions and pest infestation etc.,
Imports and exports: In case of edible oils, the traders need to know the details of important sources and destinations of the external trade. Further, the traders have to monitor the crop status in the respective countries.
Government policies: Any change in government policy relating to the crops such as
MSP minimum support price
Procurement: Direct procurement by the government agencies and storage in warehouses change in tariff and base prices of externally traded goods will have a direct impact on the respective commodity prices.