Record rapeseed crop to boost processing in India

India’s rapeseed production in the 2025/26 rabi season is expected to increase by 3.5% to 11.94 million tonnes, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). In comparison, output stood at 11.52 million tonnes in the previous season.

The growth is driven by an expansion in planted area to 9.39 million hectares and an increase in yields to 1.271 t/ha, supported by favorable weather conditions and improved agronomic practices.

Alongside higher production, rapeseed processing volumes in the country are also rising significantly. SEA estimates that processing has increased by more than 3 million tonnes over the past four seasons, strengthening domestic vegetable oil supply.

This trend is strategically important for India, one of the world’s largest importers of vegetable oils. Expanding domestic processing helps partially substitute imports and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

Despite the positive outlook, rapeseed sales remain slow due to unseasonal rains delaying harvesting, tightening market supply and supporting high prices. Overall, the market shows steady growth amid strong domestic demand.