Indian oil meals/cakes scenario: 1961-90

Abstract

Oilseeds which hold a key position in the Indian economy and contribute 4% of the India's GDP, and 10% of value of all agricultural commodities during the period of 1981- 85. India is one of the largest oilseed producing country with 7% share in the global production, on an average, during the period 1986-90. Seeds like soyabean, cottonseed, groundnut, suflower etc have been long crushed for their oil and meal/cake. Cake is that portion of oilseed after oil has been expelled mechanically, whereas meal is the portion of oilseed after solvent extraction of oil. As cattle feed, are more nutritive and readily digestable. Given the importance of oilmeals in the livestock industry, an attempt is made here to review the trends in consumption, production and trade aspects of oilmeals in India during 1961-90.