Mustard/Rapeseed oil is the third largest edible oil produced in the world after Soy oil and Palm oil. At a production level of 13-14 million tons, it accounts for about 12% of the total World's edible oil production. India is estimated to have a total mustard seed output of 5 million ton while oil is around 1.3 million tons. The country also generates 2.4 million tons of oil cake. India is self-sufficient in mustard seed and oil as import and export of the commodity is almost non-existent.
Mustard oil is consumed wholly in the domestic market. The demand for the consumption of mustard/rape seed comes mainly from eastern and northern areas of the country. The arrival of this crop in the markets is in its peak period during March to May. The major centers of consumption of its oil are Kolkata, Bihar, Jharkhand and the northeastern areas like Assam, Tripura, Sikkim etc. Two forms of mustard oil are traded in the Indian market namely Kacchi Ghani and Pakki Ghani (expeller oil).
The world production of rapeseed-mustard has been increasing at rapid rate in several countries largely in response to the continuing increase in demand for edible oils and its products. With global production touching 14-15 million tonne, it accounts for about 15 per cent of the world's total edible oil production and 30-35 per cent of India’s total edible oil production. As a whole it is a good project for new entrepreneurs to invest.
Few Indian Major Players are as under:
· Aditi Health Oils Pvt. Ltd.
· Ambuja Agro Inds. Ltd.
· Asha Agro Inds. Ltd.
· B L Agro Oils Ltd.
· B P Oil Mills Ltd.
· Bansal Oil Mill Ltd.
· Bhakra Industries Ltd.
· Budge Budge Refineries Ltd.