Currently all the cotton seed produced in Zambia, about 90,000 metric tons annually, is owned by the ginners who have exercised monopoly control over it. For any investment to succeed, the stable, reliable and cheap supply of raw materials is crucial.
What is cottonseed oil?
Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant after the cotton lint has been removed. It¡¯s composed of linters (10%), cotton shell (40~45%) and kernel. the oil content of cotton seed is 15%-25%, the oil content of kernel is 30%-40% after decorticating.
How much edible oil can Zambia produce from cotton seed?
Potentially Zambia can produce 18,750 metric tons of edible oil from cotton seed per annum. Assuming a national annual seed cotton production of 275,000 metric tons at 57% seed weight, less 20% planting seed and at 15% oil content. The 18,750 metric tons of edible oil is worth US$ 12,187,500 at US$650 per metric ton.
How to develop cotton by-products in Zambia?
In order to develop cotton by-products in Zambia it is important to assess the economic viability of the by-products industry which requires an evaluation of the market conditions. This will include the assessment of the availability of adequate and good quality raw materials and the market potential of the products.