Opportunities for Value-addition in Oilseeds in India with special reference to Castor

Abstract

India holds unique position in the world in terms of rich diversity of vegetable oil sources and oil crops followed by cereal crops. Mostly nine annual oilseeds crops are growing in India, namely, groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, sesame, safflower, niger, soybean and sunflower, forming the edible group and linseed and castor, forming the non-edible group. Linseed due to its unique nutritional value has high potential to be an edible oil crop as well. In addition cotton seed, rice bran and seeds of some tree species are being exploited for edible oil.Oilseed crops serve as important raw material for the manufacture of soaps, paints and varnishes, hair oils, lubricants, textiles, auxiliaries, pharmaceuticals, etc. apart from oils and fats. Oilcakes and meals are majorly used in animal feeds and as manures. India contributes about 6-7% of the world oilseeds production. While the huge annual import value of over 56,000 crores worth edible oil is much publicised, hardly any efforts are made to enhance the annual export value of over 25,000 crores through value addition for which technologies are available. In order to resolve these issues 21st Century should adopt ‘Three Pronged Strategy’ in planning the research and development activities for the industry. The three strategies are high-income strategy for maximization of the land use, biomass utilization to optimally exploit non-oil biomass and value added strategy to focus on high value products such as oleo chemicals and phytonutrients (Rethinam, 2009). Advantage of exports can further be consolidated with proper policy back-up and value addition. In this context an effort is made through this article to highlight the opportunities for value addition in annual oilseeds. India contributes to 85% of castor oil production reaping only 15% of global value. Opportunities for value addition in India for the oilseeds are briefly presented below.