India is recognized as the global leader in castor seed and castor oil production, playing a dominant role in the international castor oil trade. Most of the castor cultivation in India takes place in Gujarat, particularly in regions such as Mehsana, Banas kantha, and Saurashtra/Kutch. Other contributing states include Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, with key districts like Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar also known for their castor production.
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from castor beans, rich in ricinolein acid, which gives it unique chemical properties. It is a critical raw material in various industries and is widely used in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, cold-resistant plastics, waxes, and polishes. Its versatility and renewability make it an important commodity in both industrial and specialty chemical applications.
