Castorseed Production Declines Sharply Due to Adverse Weather by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) predicts a sharp decline in India’s castorseed production for the 2024-25 season, forecasting a drop from 19.76 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 to 15.6 lakh tonnes. This reduction is attributed to rising temperatures since February that have negatively impacted crop yields, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The lower acreage and reduced yields, expected to be 1,796 kg per hectare compared to 2,000 kg per hectare last year, contribute to the drop. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also face a decline in production. The final estimates will be updated after a survey in May 2025.
Key Highlights
* Castorseed production forecasted to decline to 15.6 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
* Rising temperatures since February severely affected crop yields.
* Acreage decreased by 12% to 8.68 lakh hectares in 2024-25.
* Gujarat’s castorseed output expected to fall by 22%.
* Andhra Pradesh and Telangana’s castorseed production down by 32.5%.
India’s castorseed production is expected to witness a significant decline in the 2024-25 season, as adverse weather conditions wreak havoc on crop yields. The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has revised its production estimate to 15.6 lakh tonnes, down from the initial forecast of 18.2 lakh tonnes, compared to 19.76 lakh tonnes in 2023-24.
A key factor contributing to this sharp decline is the rise in temperatures since February. This surge in heat adversely impacted crop yields, particularly for late-sown and re-sown castor crops in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the country’s major growing regions. The castor acreage also dropped by 12%, with a reduction from 9.88 lakh hectares in 2023-24 to 8.68 lakh hectares in the current season.
The situation in Gujarat, which accounts for the majority of castorseed production, is particularly concerning. The state is expected to see a 22% reduction in output, with a production estimate of 12.26 lakh tonnes, compared to 15.74 lakh tonnes last year. Rajasthan is also witnessing a 13% decline in production, as the unexpected rise in temperatures during crucial crop-growing months affected yields despite good water availability from irrigation.
Other states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are similarly facing difficulties, with castorseed production forecasted to drop by 32.5% due to a decrease in acreage.
As the season progresses, SEA expects to update its estimates after the next round of surveys in May 2025.
Finally
With adverse weather impacting castorseed production across key states, India faces a sharp decline in output for the 2024-25 season, affecting both yields and acreage.
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