New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) The total production of castor seeds in the country is expected to rise by 30 per cent to 16.19 lakh tonnes in the 2011-12 crop year on the back of increased acreage, an industry body said today.

The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA), in a recently conducted survey, also pointed out that the productivity of castor is expected to decline marginally to 1,417 kg per hectare in the current crop year (July-June).

"Estimated total production of castor seeds in India for the year 2011-12 is 16.19 lakh tonnes. It has increased by 30 per cent compared to previous year," SEA said in a statement.

Total area under castor crop in India for the year 2011-12 is 11.50 lakh hectares. It has increased by 34 per cent compared to previous year, it added.
The castor crop survey 2011-12 was conducted by A C Nielsen for the association.

"Average yield for the year 2011-12 is 1,417 kg per hectare against 1,453 kg per hectare during the year 2010-11.

It has decreased by 3 per cent compared to previous year," the survey said.

According to the industry body, India, which is the producer followed by China, Brazil and Thailand, meets more than 80 per cent of the global demand for castor oil.

The country''s exports of castor oil and derivatives are estimated to be worth around Rs 3,000 crore.

Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the leading producers of castor seed in the country. Apart from being used as a food additive, castor oil is also used in medicines and in lubricants.