January 23, 2008

India 07-08 winter-sown oilseed output at 9 million tonnes

India's winter-sown oilseed production for 2007-08 will likely fall to 9 million tonnes, compared with 9.5 million tonnes the same period last year.

The decrease is due to a shortfall in acreage, Ashok Sethia, president of the Solvent Extractors' Association, said Tuesday.

Sowing in India for the winter season starts in October and is harvested around March.

India¡¯s 2007-08 oilseed output is projected at 25.5 million-26.0 million tonnes, the trade body official said.

Production of rapeseed, which is the main oilseed grown in the winter season, is likely to touch 5.6 million - 5.8 million tonnes.

The trade body also projected India's 2007-08 vegetable oil imports at around 5.8 million - 5.9 million tonnes, up from 5.6 million tonnes a year earlier.