The Hindu Business Line : Oilseeds output may be lower by 20 lakh tonnes, says expert

Mumbai, July 24 India’s oilseeds crop may be lower by over 20 lakh tonnes during kharif 2008. This could lead to a reduction in the availability of oil; and if lower carry-in of rapeseed/mustard is also factored-in, the country’s additional vegetable oil import requirement would expand by nearly 10-12 lakh tonnes for the ensuing oil year 2008-09, according to Mr Govindbhai Patel, an industry specialist known for his meticulous analysis of the oilseeds sector.

The rainfall picture of India, particularly in the major oilseeds growing States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and even Madhya Pradesh, looks unsatisfactory as at present (mid-July), he said, adding that planting will not take place after the second or third week of July. He believes groundnut, sunflower seed and cottonseed output is sure to take a hit because of lower acreage and yield losses.

Mr Patel, former president of the apex body Central Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade and the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, estimated the groundnut crop to be lower by at least 9 lakh tonnes from last year to 39 lakh tonnes, and soyabean would be 10 per cent lower at 90 lakh tonnes compared with Government estimate of 100 lakh tonnes for 2007-08.While the direction of change in crop size is clear, actual numbers may vary depending on rainfall and other conditions over the next two months, he cautioned.

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