IGI Logo

India's castorseed production is set to surge by 9% in the 2023-24 season, reaching 20.54 lakh tonnes, driven by expanded cultivation areas and favorable conditions in key regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Despite stable productivity, proactive industry initiatives, such as SEA's model farms, aim to further enhance yields and sustain growth.

Highlights

Projected Growth: India's castorseed production is expected to grow by 9% in the 2023-24 season, reaching 20.54 lakh tonnes compared to 18.81 lakh tonnes in the previous season.

Increase in Area: The area under castor cultivation has increased by 9% to 10.05 lakh hectares in the 2023-24 season compared to 9.18 lakh hectares in the previous season.

Stable Productivity: Despite the increase in production area, the average productivity is estimated to be 2,044 kg/ha for 2023-24, slightly lower than the previous season's 2,048 kg/ha.

Survey Methodology: The survey, conducted by Indian Agribusiness Systems Ltd on behalf of SEA, involved field surveys and remote sensing data analysis in major castor-growing states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Regional Insights: In Gujarat, production estimated at 15.98 lakh tonnes, with favorable soil moisture and temperature conditions reported. In Rajasthan, significant increase in acreage by 40%, production estimated at 3.66 lakh tonnes due to early sowing and beneficial rains. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, production estimated at 0.83 lakh tonnes, with improved yields attributed to timely rainfall and normal crop health.

Further Validation: Re-validation rounds are planned in March and April to assess any impact of adverse weather on final yields, with production numbers subject to revision.

Industry Initiatives: SEA has been actively involved in establishing castor model farms in Gujarat and Rajasthan to enhance productivity over the past eight years.

Conclusion

India's castorseed industry is poised for robust expansion, with the projected 9% growth in the 2023-24 season reflecting both increased cultivation areas and conducive environmental factors. The proactive measures undertaken by organizations like SEA, including the establishment of model farms, underscore a commitment to long-term sustainability and productivity enhancement. As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing validation rounds will ensure accurate assessment of final yields, contributing to the sector's resilience and prosperity.

Above views are of the author and not of the website kindly read disclaimer