Isabgul output seen up 25% in 2009-10

The output stood at 12 lakh bags in 2008-09.

Firm prices of isabgul (psyllium husk) may push up the production of this commodity in 2009-10 as farmers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the two major isabgul growing states in the country, are likely to opt for isabgul crop.

Isabgul sowing in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat is in full swing. Gujarat has so far seen isabgul cultivation in 54,000 hectares.

"Isabgul acreage in other isabgul growing states is likely to increase due to firm prices, which averaged around Rs. 1,000 per 20 kg," said Unjha-based Vishnubhai Patel, owner of Son Psyllium Industries.

The sowing of isabgul will last till the end of December or first week January. "We are expecting isabgul acreage in Rajasthan to surge by 30 per cent, while in Gujarat it will be more or less same as that of last year," he said.

Interestingly, isabgul (raw material) prices are still ruling higher in the range of Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,350 per 20 kg. Prices of mustard/rapeseed and wheat in MP and Rajasthan were comparatively lower last year. "Apart from firm prices, the isabgul crop is also used as fodder, which is another reason why farmers are turning to this crop," Patel added.

Around 15 lakh bags (each bag weighing 75 kgs) of new crop was registered in 2008-09, of which 3 lakh bags were damaged as isabgul is a weather sensitive crop. "Cosidering the present price trend, we estimate a rise of 25 per cent in isabgul output in 2009-10," said Narendra Patel, president, Isabgul Processors' Association.