The Hindu Business Line : Oilmeal exports double

EXPORTS of oilmeal (extractions) from the country have crossed 10 lakh tonnes during the April-November (8 months) period of financial year 2003-04. They are expected to reach around 3.2-3.3 million tonnes by the end of FY 2003-04, thanks to record kharif crop of oilseeds this year, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA).

The total exports were around 10.06 lakh tonnes as compared to 8.62 lakh tonnes in the same period last year, up by 17 per cent.

"Exports of oilmeals during November 2003 have doubled to 4.81 lakh tonnes compared with 2.36 lakh tonnes in Novemeber 2002, due to ample supply of oilseeds," Mr B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said. "This trend is likely to continue in coming months. In December and January 2004, oilmeals export is expected to touch 7 lakh tonnes each," Mr Mehta, said.

During 2003-04, exports may touch 32-33 lakh tonnes as compared to 18.96 lakh tonnes recorded in FY 2002-03, he said. Of which, export of soyameals will reach to 24-25 lakh tonnes, followed by rapeseed meals 4.5 lakh tonnes, groundnut meals 1.5 lakh tonnes and castor meals at one lakh tonnes.

"The new season started with almost zero inventory, but from November 2003, availability of oilseeds - soyabean and groundnut - was very good. But the industry is now facing two major problems. Firstly, non-availability of railway rakes from producing centers to major ports for export of oilmeals (particularly soyameals) and secondly, there is shortage of Food Grade Hexane due to plant shutdown of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL)," he said.

Oilmeals are exported mainly from Kandla, Mumbai, Bedi, Mundra, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports. Export from Kandla port has reported at 5,89,425 tonnes (up 59 per cent) followed by Mumbai, which handled 2,12,435 tonnes (up 21 per cent) and Bedi port at 1,13,900 tonnes of oilmeals.

Total oilmeal exports for FY 2002-03 were down37 per cent to 18.96 lakh tonnes compared with 30.2 lakh tonnes in 2002-03. Of which, soymeals exports were down 47 per cent to 13.33 lakh tonnes (25.09 lakh tonnes).

The main reasons for decrease in exports were: reduction in soya crop by about 20 per cent to 43 lakh tonnes in 2002-03 compared to 54 lakh tonnes during 2001-02, poor crushing margin as soyabean price shot up from Rs 11,200 to Rs 15,500 per tonne and tough competition from China, Brazil and Argentina.

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