October 29, 2007

India's 2007 winter oilseeds output seen at 16.83 million tonnes

India's production of winter harvested oilseeds this year is seen at 16.83 million tonnes, 3.38 million tonnes more than the year ago crop due to higher acreage and good rains, a leading trade body said on Sunday.

The Central Organisation of Oil Industry and Trade initially estimated in September the country's winter crop at 15.15 million tonnes. The organisation also said India produced 13.45 million tonnes of oilseeds in the winter of 2006, up from its earlier estimate of 13.15 million tonnes.

The organisation added that production of soy, the main winter oilseed crop, is estimated at 9.46 million tonnes against the revised production figure of 7.98 million tonnes in the winter of 2006.

India harvests two oilseeds crops annually but only one of soy. Rapeseed is the main summer harvested crop.

Winter harvested oilseeds are sown in the monsoon season beginning in June and harvested from October. The summer harvested crop is sown in November and harvested from April.

Winter groundnut output (equivalent in kernels) is estimated at 3.69 million tonnes, up from 2.45 million tonnes, the organisation said.