Though Ethiopia is considered as the probable center of origin, its cultivation is mostly concentrated in Asia, about 92.2% of the total production [ 2 ]. India is the largest producer and exporter of the castor oil ( www.statista.com ).
What is castor oil?
Castor is a hardy plant, requires low input, tolerates marginal soils, is easy to establish in the field, is resistant to drought, and gives yield 350¨C900 kg oil per hectare. Castor oil shows great functional value in energy sector, industry, and pharmaceutical.
Why is Castor a good crop?
It is one of the oldest plants, getting importance as an agricultural crop for subtropical and tropical countries in the world. Castor is a hardy plant, requires low input, tolerates marginal soils, is easy to establish in the field, is resistant to drought, and gives yield 350¨C900 kg oil per hectare.
Where does Castor grow?
Castor ( Ricinus communis L.) is a nonedible vegetable oil seed crop cultivated all over the world. It grows well in the wet tropics to the subtropical dry region with an optimum temperature of 20¨C25°C [ 1 ].