September 28, 2009

India's summer-sown oilseed production in 2009 is likely to be lower than last year, a senior official at the Central Organisation for Oil Industry and Trade said Friday (September 25).

"The crop has been badly affected, especially in the southern states and some parts of Maharashtra, due to erratic rains," said N.R. Vishwaradhya, chairman of the trade body.

Vegetable oil imports during the marketing year starting Nov. 1 are likely to remain around 8 million metric tonnes, close to this year's volume, he said.

India imports half of its annual vegetable oil requirement of about 15 million tonnes. Shipments are from Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia and Indonesia.