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Informist, Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025

MUMBAI – The Solvent Extractors' Association of India in its second estimate projected the country's castor production in 2024-25 at 1.56 million tonnes, down 14% from the first estimate, the association said in a release Tuesday. The major factors seen contributing to the production decline include reduced acreage, adverse weather conditions and lower yields, it said. The association had projected castor output in its first estimate at 1.82 million tonnes for 2024-25. 

The revised estimates are based on April field surveys and remote sensing analysis by Indian Agribusiness Systems Pvt. Ltd., or AgriWatch. Indian Agribusiness Systems is an agricultural technology company which is dedicated to transform the Indian agriculture sector through innovative solutions and services. The company provides farmers with cutting-edge technologies, market insights, and financial services to improve productivity and yield.

Castor acreage is expected to decline in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the release said. In Gujarat, the largest producer, castor acreage in 2024-25 is estimated at 646,300 hectares compared to 724,000 hectares last year. The yield in the state is projected at 1,897 kilogram per hectare, down 13% on year. Production in Gujarat is estimated at around 1.23 million tonnes, reflecting a 22% on-year decrease. "The fall is attributed to higher-than-normal temperatures during February to April, which hastened crop maturity and reduced yields," the association said. 

In Rajasthan, the castor yield is estimated at 1,594 kg per hectare, down 2% on year, with production estimated at 271,000 tonnes, down 14% on year, it said. "Sudden spike in temperatures affected yields despite good water availability through canal irrigation," the association said. 

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are expected to maintain production at 54,000 tonnes, 33% lower than last year, due to reduced acreage, it said. However, the yield is projected at 1,440 kg per hectare in 2024-25, up 8%. 

India's total castor acreage declined 12% to 868,000 hectares from 988,000 hectares in 2023-24, the association said. The country's total yield is projected at 1,796 kg per hectare, down 10% on year. Prolonged heat since February adversely affected crop yields, especially in late and re-sown crops, it added. 

The association will update the final estimates after the fourth round of surveys scheduled for May 2025, as per the release. End

Reported by Anjali Lavania

Edited by Tanima Banerjee

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