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 Rajasthan
The main castor districts of Rajasthan are Jalore, Barmer, Sirohi. Rajasthan is India's leading producer of bajra, mustard, moth, guar, coriander, isabgol and cumin, and a major producer of moong, groundnut, barley, chana and wheat. Its dry western districts grow hardy crops on sand, while canal-fed Sri Ganganagar and Chambal-fed Hadoti are its granaries.
Season in Rajasthan
Sown July–August, harvested December–March in pickings. Exact arrival dates in Rajasthan depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Castor Is Sold in Rajasthan
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. Rajasthan's big mandis include Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Merta City and Sri Ganganagar.
Other major markets in Rajasthan
- Jaipur (Muhana)Mustard, bajra, barleyAboutExplore
- Merta CityMoong, cuminAboutExplore
- BikanerMoth, groundnut, guarAboutExplore
- Kota and Ramganj MandiSoybean, coriander, wheatAboutExplore
- Sri GanganagarMustard, kinnow, wheatAboutExplore
State Agencies in Rajasthan
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.
- Rajasthan State Agricultural Marketing BoardRegulated marketsAboutExplore
- RAJFEDCooperative marketing and procurementAboutExplore
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 Rajasthan. 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 Rajasthan
New varieties, crop advice and seed for castor growers in Rajasthan come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural UniversityBikanerAboutExplore
- Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and TechnologyUdaipurAboutExplore
- Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture UniversityJobnerAboutExplore
- Agriculture UniversityKotaAboutExplore
Castor in Other States
Related: Castor – all India · Rajasthan · 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