Castor seed production in Gujarat for 2024-25 is estimated at 14.75 lakh tonnes, down 6% from 15.74 lakh tonnes in 2023-24, according to the SEA Castor Crop Survey 2024-25. The drop is due to an 11% decline in acreage to 6.46 lakh hectares from 7.24 lakh hectares, despite a 5% increase in yield to 2,281 kg per hectare. The Castor Crop Survey 2024-25 was presented at the Global Castor Conference organised by the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) in Gandhinagar on Saturday. According to the survey, heavy rains in August adversely affected castor crop, leading to resowing and lower plant counts in key districts like Vadodara, Surendranagar, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, which accounts for majority of the castor production in India. Mr. Priyam Patel, Managing Director of NK Proteins Pvt Ltd and Chairman (West Zone) of SEA, said, “The estimated reduction in castor production in Gujarat can largely be attributed to a decrease in castor acreage. Excess rainfall in August and September coupled with diversification to other crops such as cotton and groundnut primarily resulted in a reduction in area under castor crop in the state. The yield has shown increase due to favourable weather as on date. However, future yield estimates remain subject to further revision based on weather conditions.” Rajasthan’s production is estimated at 2.85 lakh tonnes, down 9%, with acreage dropping 12% to 1.70 lakh hectares, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will produce 0.54 lakh tonnes, down 33% due to a 38% acreage drop. India’s overall castor production is expected to be 18.22 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, 8% lower than 19.75 lakh tonnes last year. National acreage fell by 12% to 8.68 lakh hectares from 9.88 lakh hectares, though yield improved by 5% to 2,101 kg per hectare from 1,999 kg per hectare.