SEA starts pilot project to improve castor yield in Gujarat

Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) has launched pilot project to improve castor seed yield in two districts of Gujarat on 75 hectares farm land. Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University will guide the farmers to increase productivity.

Currently, the average yield of Castor seed in the country is 1,200 kg-1,400 kg per hectare. Though there is a potential to increase the productivity to over 2,000 kg per hectare, provided the farmers follow the pre- and post-good agronomy practices coupled with use of correct inputs like good quality of seed, fertilisers, pesticides etc.

"Our aim is to improve productivity of castor seed in India and that's why we have started this project on pilot basis in Banaskantha and Aravali districts of Gujarat. About 60 farmers have joined this project and scientists of Dantiwada Agriculture University will guide these farmers right from sowing," said Haresh Vyas, co-chairman of SEA Castor seed and Oil Promotion Council.

The university will provide quality seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs to the farmers of this pilot project and also teach them about new methods of sowing which will be helpful to improve yield of the castor seed. Weekly survey of the project farms will be done by the university scientists.

Vyas said, "Change in castor seed farming method will not only improve productivity of the crop but it will also beneficial for farmers as this will reduce their costs. We hope to get result by end of December this year."

After the result of the pilot project, SEA will invite farmers from Gujarat and Rajasthan and organise model farm visits to showcase the benefit of good agriculture practices to achieve higher yield.

SEA is also planning to start similar project in other parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan next year.