Bt Cotton Boosts Cottonseed Oil Production in India

The Cotton Advisory Board of the Government of India estimates that a bumper cotton crop in 2007-08 may boost cottonseed oil production by more than 22 per cent  or more than 1.1 million tons from 0.9 million tons in 2006-07. India is expected to produce over 31 million bales of cotton in 2007-08 as compared to 28 million bales last year mainly due to the extensive use of Bt cotton by  farmers.   

A press statement “Report on cotton and  cottonseed oil production” released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India,  adds that the recovery of cottonseed oil particularly in Bt cottonseed is higher by 1 to 2 percent from about 11 per cent in normal variety, which would further boost the cottonseed oil production in India. The cottonseed oil is cheaper than most other edible oils, and is gaining in popularity in the Indian market said industry officials.  

For the press release contact BV Mehta, executive director, Solvent Extractors’ Association of India at: solvent@mtnl.net.in or visit http://www.seaofindia.com/.   More information on biotech in India can be obtained by emailing Bhagirath Choudhary at  b.choudhary@isaaa.org.