Some important facts on Oilseeds

India is the leading oilseed producing country in the world. With the exception of palm oil and olive oil, India grows all the principal oilseeds.

(a) Some of the oilseeds grown in India are:

(i) Groundnut

(ii) Mustard (Sarson) and rapeseed (rai)

(iii) Sesame (til)

(iv) Linseed

(v) Cotton and Sunflower seed

(vi) Soyabean

(vii) Castor seed

(b) Economic importance of oilseeds.

(i) Oilseeds occupy the second place after food grains as a farm commodity. They form an important export item.

(ii) Vegetable oil is a necessary part of our diet.

(iii) The oil industry employs more than 10 million people.

(iv) Oilcake (the by-product after the oil is extracted from oilseed) is used as cattle feed and fertilizer.

(v) Oils like that of linseed oil are in great demand for industrial purposes such as lubricants, varnishes and paints.