India is one of the world’s significant producers of rapeseed and mustard, which are processed into rapeseed oil and rapeseed meal. Rapeseed meal is a byproduct of oil extraction and is widely used as a high-protein feed ingredient for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. To determine if India produces a “high quantity,” we need to look at recent production figures and compare them globally.
Recent Production Data
- Rapeseed and Mustard Production: According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (India), the production of rapeseed and mustard in India for the fiscal year 2023-2024 (April 2023–March 2024) was estimated at over 13 million metric tons (Statista, October 2024). This is an increase from previous years, reflecting India’s growing capacity.
- Rapeseed Meal Production: The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) New Delhi report from February 2024 estimates rapeseed meal production for marketing year (MY) 2023/2024 (October 2023–September 2024) at approximately 6.2 million metric tons (MMT). This figure is derived from the crushing of rapeseed-mustard, with a typical oil extraction rate of about 35-40%, leaving 60-65% as meal.
- Global Context: The European Union and China are the top producers of rapeseed meal, contributing 29% and 23% of global production, respectively (Future Market Insights, January 2024). India’s share is estimated at around 13% of the global market in 2024, making it a notable but not dominant player. Total global production is roughly 40-45 MMT annually, meaning India’s 6.2 MMT constitutes a significant but not leading quantity.
Fact-Check
- The USDA FAS report from February 2024 aligns with earlier estimates, such as MY 2022/2023 forecasting 11.4 MMT of rapeseed-mustard yielding around 6 MMT of meal. The slight increase to 6.2 MMT in MY 2023/2024 is plausible given favorable weather conditions in key states like Rajasthan.
- Statista’s 13 MMT figure for rapeseed-mustard in FY 2024 supports higher meal production, as roughly 60-65% of this (7.8-8.5 MMT) could theoretically become meal. However, actual crushing capacity and export/domestic use reduce this to the USDA’s 6.2 MMT estimate, which is more conservative and reliable.
- Posts on X (e.g., March 18, 2025) note a 36% drop in oilmeal exports (including rapeseed meal) in February 2025, suggesting strong domestic production but reduced export volumes, possibly due to quality concerns or market shifts. This doesn’t contradict high production but indicates usage trends.
Conclusion: India produces a high quantity of rapeseed meal—approximately 6.2 MMT annually—placing it among the top producers globally, though behind the EU and China. This volume is substantial for feed mills seeking reliable suppliers, especially given India’s reputation for non-GMO rapeseed and competitive pricing.
Technical Specifications for Feed Mills
Rapeseed meal is valued in animal feed for its high protein content (typically 36-40%) and balanced amino acids, though it contains anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) like glucosinolates that require consideration. Below, I’ll adapt your provided crude rapeseed oil parameters into a rapeseed meal specification suitable for feed mills, incorporating industry norms and your data where applicable.
Rapeseed Meal Specifications (Ametheus Quality)
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | ≥36% (min 35-39%) | High-quality protein source for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. |
| Moisture | ≤12% (max 0.2% volatile) | Low moisture ensures shelf stability; aligns with your 0.2% spec. |
| Crude Fat | 1-2% | Residual oil after extraction; your 2.0 mg/g acid value suggests quality. |
| Crude Fiber | 10-12% | Supports digestion in ruminants; typical for Indian rapeseed meal. |
| Ash | ≤8% | Mineral content; ensures purity (your 0.2% insoluble impurity fits here). |
| Phosphorus Content | 0.8-1.2% (300 ppm min) | Meets nutritional needs; your 300 ppm is a baseline for feed formulation. |
| Glucosinolates | ≤30 mmol/kg | Reduced ANFs for safe feeding; industry standard for modern varieties. |
| Solvent Residue | ≤100 mg/kg | Safe for animal consumption; matches your 100 mg/kg spec. |
| Peroxide Value | ≤7.5 mmol/kg | Indicates freshness; aligns with your oil spec, applicable to meal. |
| Benzopyrene | ≤10 µg/kg | Ensures safety from contaminants; matches your stringent standard. |
| Acid Value (KOH) | ≤2.0 mg/g | Reflects low free fatty acids; derived from your oil spec. |
Additional Notes for Feed Mills
- Protein Quality: Indian rapeseed meal offers a good amino acid profile for non-ruminants (e.g., poultry), though lysine and methionine may need supplementation. Ametheus ensures consistent quality through advanced processing.
- Non-GMO: India’s rapeseed is naturally non-GMO, a selling point for markets like South Korea and Thailand.
- Packaging: Available in 50 kg PP bags or bulk, tailored to feed mill needs.
Why Choose Ametheus?
India’s 6.2 MMT production capacity ensures a steady supply, and Ametheus leverages this to deliver high-quality rapeseed meal at competitive prices. Our product meets stringent safety and nutritional standards, making it ideal for feed formulations. Recent data confirms India’s reliability as a supplier, despite export fluctuations, with domestic crushing supporting availability.
Contact Us
For feed mills interested in sourcing premium rapeseed meal, contact Ametheus at info@ametheus.com. We offer customized solutions, reliable logistics, and technical support to optimize your feed production. Reach out today to discuss your requirements and secure a trusted supply from India’s robust rapeseed meal industry.
