Skip to content

Castor (Ricinus communis)

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is India's leading non-edible oilseed and the country supplies over 80% of world castor-oil exports. ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad coordinates AICRP-Castor.

Key characteristics

  • Mandate Institute: ICAR-IIOR Hyderabad
  • Area 2019-20: 9.70 lakh ha; 19.50 lakh t; 2010 kg/ha
  • Hybrids Released: 22 hybrids + 15 varieties via AICRP-Castor
  • Leading Hybrids: GCH-7, GCH-8, GCH-9, ICH-66, YRCH-2
  • Irrigated Rainfed: 92% irrigated (Gujarat-Rajasthan); 8% rainfed (Telangana, AP, TN)

Cultivation and adoption

In 2019-20 castor occupied 9.70 lakh ha with 19.50 lakh t production at 2010 kg/ha productivity. Gujarat and Rajasthan grow 92% of irrigated castor; Telangana, AP and Tamil Nadu host the 8% rainfed area. Hybrids GCH-7/8/9, ICH-66, YRCH-2 and varieties DCS-107, Pragathi, 48-1 dominate; >95% of area is under hybrids.

References

  1. High Yielding Castor Hybrids - Vikaspedia. https://agriculture.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/oilseeds/high-yielding-hybrids-and-varieties-of-castor-ricinus-communis-l
  2. Castor - TNAU Agritech. https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/oilseeds_castor.html