Global Oilseeds Output Up Even As Veg Oil Production Goes Down

While the global annual vegetable oil production increase has slowed down from about five million tonne, four years ago, to two million tonne now, the trend in global oilseeds production has been quite the opposite.

Over the last five years, global output of oilseeds has recorded an yearly expansion by 78 lakh tonne.

Consistent with the recent trends, world oilseeds production in 2001-02 is set to reach a new record with satisfactory weather conditions noted in major origins such as the US, China and India.

Soyabean will account for a major part of the production increase, while minor contributions from cottonseed, rapeseed, palm kernel and groundnut are expected.

Only a minor decrease is expected in the production of copra and sunflowerseed.

In its report, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has forecast world oilseeds production for 2001-02 at a new high of 318.8 million tonne, up from 309.7 million tonne of 2000-01.

As for major oilseeds, the 2001-02 projection for soyabean is 177 million tonne which is about three per cent higher than last year