November 22, 2004

India Oilseeds Crop Estimated Lower at 13 Million MT in 2004

India's summer-sown, or kharif, oilseeds harvest is estimated to be 13 million metric tons in 2004 compared with 14 million tons last year, according to the Central Organization of Oil Industry and Trade, or Cooit on Sunday.

Cooit is the biggest edible oil industry association in India.

Most of the major oilseeds, except mustardseed, are grown in the kharif season.

Cooit officials said the kharif oilseeds crop is lower in 2004 because of scant June-September monsoon rains which are the only source of water for major oilseeds, such as groundnut, soybean and sunflower.

The sowing for the kharif crop begins June, while harvesting takes place in September and October.

Among the major oilseeds, kharif soybean production is estimated at 6.6 million tons this year compared with 6.8 million tons last year.

The country's kharif groundnut production is estimated at 4.4 million tons this year compared with 5.3 million tons last year.

Kharif sunflower seed production is estimated at 490,000 tons this year, compared with 270,000 tons last year.

India is one of the world's largest importers and consumers of edible oils.