India 2009-10 rapeseed output to decrease

India's rapeseed output for the crop year that began October 1 is likely to fall to 5.5 million-6 million tonnes due to lower area under cultivation.

This was announced by a senior industry official on Friday (Jan 29). The country's production in 2008-09 was estimated at 6.2 million tonnes.

The crop area in Rajasthan state is down by about 20%-25%, Sanjay Agarwal, managing director of K.S. Oils Ltd. said.

Rajasthan is India's largest rapeseed producer.