About Castor
Castor is a non-edible oilseed whose oil goes into lubricants, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and bio-chemicals. India supplies most of the world's castor oil.
Where Castor Is Grown in Gujarat
The main castor districts of Gujarat are Banaskantha, Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Kutch. Gujarat is India's leading producer of groundnut, cotton, castor, cumin and isabgol, and a big grower of wheat, bajra, potato, banana, mango, sesame and onion. Its market yards in Unjha, Gondal, Rajkot and Deesa are among India's busiest, and its ports handle much of India's agri exports.
Season in Gujarat
Sown July–August, harvested December–March in pickings. Exact arrival dates in Gujarat depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Castor Is Sold in Gujarat
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. Gujarat's large market yards are known for organised auctions and modern facilities.
Key markets for Castor in Gujarat
Other major markets in Gujarat
- UnjhaJeera, isabgol, fennelAboutExplore
- Gondal and RajkotGroundnut, cotton, chilliAboutExplore
- MahuvaOnion for dehydrationAboutExplore
- Jamnagar and JunagadhGroundnut, garlicAboutExplore
State Agencies in Gujarat
Castor has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- Gujarat State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- Gujarat State Civil Supplies CorporationGrain procurementAboutExplore
- GUJCOMASOLState cooperative marketingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Castor seed is traded on oil content and moisture; exporters of castor oil supply grades such as First Special Grade (FSG), Commercial and Pale Pressed Grade, and many derivatives. Most castor oil is exported, with China the largest buyer, followed by Europe, the USA and Japan.
Because India dominates world supply, castor prices depend mostly on the size of the Gujarat crop, carry-over stocks and Chinese demand. The NCDEX castor seed contract is the main price benchmark. A weak monsoon or late sowing in North Gujarat can lift prices sharply.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export castor across India, including from Gujarat. Tap a name for details.
- Jayant Agro-Organics LtdCastor oil and derivativesAboutExplore
- NK Proteins Pvt LtdAhmedabad · castor oilAboutExplore
- Gokul Agro Resources LtdCastor and edible oilsAboutExplore
- Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA)Mumbai · edible oil and oilmeal industry body; publishes import and export dataAboutExplore
- Indian Oilseeds and Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)Export promotion for groundnut, sesame and other oilseedsAboutExplore
- National Mission on Edible Oils – OilseedsGovernment mission to raise oilseed output and cut importsAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Gujarat
New varieties, crop advice and seed for castor growers in Gujarat come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Anand Agricultural UniversityAnandAboutExplore
- Junagadh Agricultural UniversityJunagadhAboutExplore
- Navsari Agricultural UniversityNavsariAboutExplore
- Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural UniversityBanaskanthaAboutExplore
Castor in Other States
Related: Castor – all India · Gujarat · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer