Oilseeds output to rise 8% in 2013-14

Oilseeds production is estimated to increase by 8 per cent to 267.3 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 crop year, while imports are projected to surge at record 112 lakh tonnes, according to industry data released today.
"The overall 9 oilseed crops (Kharif & Rabi) for the current year (2013-14) are estimated at 267.3 lakh tonnes compared to 247.31 lakh tonnes of last year," Solvent Extractors' Association said in a statement, releasing data of The Central Organisation for Oil Industry & Trade (COOIT).
Total vegetable oil availability from Kharif and Rabi oilseeds crops for the year (November-October) is estimated upward at 85.25 lakh tonnes compared to 80.32 lakh tonnes last year.

However, the industry body estimated that imports would rise despite gain in oilseeds production.
"The import of vegetable oil during 2013-14, in spite of higher crop, likely to increase by about 5 to 6 lakh tonnes and estimated in the range of 110 to 112 lakh tons from 106.79 lakh tonnes in previous year (2012-13)," SEA said.
According to the data, oilseeds production in Kharif is pegged at 168.20 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 compared with 153.87 lakh tonnes in the previous year. For the rabi season, output is projected to increase at 99.10 lakh tonnes against 93.44 lakh tonnes in the previous year.