Oilseed

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important industrial oil crop of the world. Internationally, castor oil is used in more than 300 derivatives for use in soap, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, paints and varnishes /lubricant in high-speed jet engines. Pakistan also spends millions of rupees on the import of castor oil annually for use in automobile industry.

GLOBAL SITUATION
It is being cultivated in about 43 countries of the world. Whereas, in Asia, it is being cultivated in 12 countries including Pakistan. However, amongst main producer countries Brazil, India, China, Russia and Thailand are on the op. The non producer countries account for 60% of global consumption and these include: USA, France, Germany, Japan and UK.

Castor oil is industrial and used in different industries. It is also used as auto lubricant as it is liquid down to a temperature of -17 oC. Castor oil is also used in the manufacture of fibre optics, bullet proof glass and bone prostheses and it is also important for preventing fuels and lubricants utilized in aircraft and space rockets from freezing at low temperatures. Castor oil is best substance for producing bio-diesel because it is the only one that is soluble in alcohol and does not require heat. Its oil is best for making dyes and for uses in high technology fields including nuclear reactor.

CLIMATE REQUIREMENTS
Castor bean is successfully cultivated in tropical and sub tropical regimes. Pakistan is situated in a predominant/semi arid to hyper arid climatic regions. Pakistan 18 aridity and 9 crops growth zones have been identified in both kharif and rabi seasons. About 27% of the total area of 83.4252 mha is characterized as semi arid to arid either in kahrif and rabi. Arid climate in kharif and hyper arid in rabi stretched over 26.97 mha towards the central south eastern parts of the country. Castor being drought tolerant crop is cultivated in those areas deficit in water in summer and autumn season. Its tap root penertraits upto the depth of 1.5 to 3 meter.

CULTIVATION
Soil with pH ranging from 5 to 6.5 is suitable for castor germination. Sandy and high clayey soil is preferred for its cultivation. Time of cultivation un irrigated from March to April and irrigated area July to August.

PRODUCTION
Castor crops matures in 120 to 150 days. First picking in November December, Second picking in Jan Feb and third picking in March. In Pakistan, varietal development conducted at various research institutes resulted in the development of following varieties (1) C-3, (2) US-1 and (3) DS-30. The genetic potential of DS-30 is 15-20 maunds/acres.

Economic value: Castor is a remunerative crop of drylands. It is essentially a crop of tropical /sub tropical areas and grows naturally on a wide range of climatic conditions. Castor seed contains 50-55% non-edible oil and 26-30% protein. Due to the nature of chemical composition, its oil is used in more than 300 derivatives /compounds.

In Pakistan, Castor crop is cultivated in three provinces including Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan with a total area of 3934 ha in 2003-04. During 2004-05 total area of 3398 ha, total productin of 2085 tones and yield/ha of 614 kg. The major area that is very negligible lies in Sindh (Tharparker and Karachi Districts) and Baluchistan (Lasbela District). However, more area suitable for its cultivation under semi arid region can be explored and utilized through organized R&D. Nevertheless, castor is not suited to saline soils. About 300-350 mm rainfall is needed for its good development and growth.:

Dr. Muhammad Yasin Mirza, SSO

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