Detailed Summary
India is a vital agricultural country, with a significant portion of its population engaged in farming activities. Among various agricultural products, oil seeds play a critical role, covering nearly 12% of India's total cropped area. Key oil seeds produced in India include groundnut, mustard, coconut, sesame (til), soybean, castor seeds, cotton seeds, linseed, and sunflower. These oil seeds are predominantly used as edible cooking mediums and are essential raw materials for the production of soap, cosmetics, and ointments.
In 2018, India ranked as the second-largest producer of groundnuts globally, following China, and was the third-largest producer of rapeseed after Canada and China. Groundnut, a kharif crop, constitutes about half of the major oilseeds produced. Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are among the leading groundnut-producing states. Linseed and mustard are rabi crops, whereas sesame is cultivated as a kharif crop in northern India and a rabi crop in southern regions. Castor seeds can be grown during both seasons. This section emphasizes the significance of oil seeds in India’s agriculture, showcasing their role in food production and as raw materials.