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Soyabean, rapeseed meals contribute towards export figures

Mumbai , Dec. 7

Oilmeal/extraction exports during November totalled 5.83 lakh tonnes (lt), higher than 3.3 lt in October and 3.2 lt in the corresponding month a year ago, as per latest data compiled by the Solvent Extractions' Association of India (SEA).

Higher shipments were despite the ongoing congestion at Kandla and other ports and presence of bird flu in some regions. Oilmeal exports aggregated 25.5 lt during April-November 2006, a jump of 40 per cent from 18.2 lt during the first eight months of the fiscal 2005-06.

Soyabean and rapeseed meals contributed towards export figures with 16 lt and 5.9 lt respectively in the first 8 months.

Following year-round crushing activity due to stocks with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation, availability of both rapeseed oil and extractions increased leading to higher meal exports.

SOPA figures

Export of soyabean meal during November was 5.5 lt compared with 3 lt in the corresponding month of the previous year, registering a growth of 82.52 per cent, according to figures released by Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA), while SEA's soyameal export for the same month was estimated at 4.5 lt.

Soyabean extraction continues to dominate the basket of oilmeal exports. From April to November this year, 22 lt were shipped out compared with 12 lt a year ago, said SOPA.

Rapeseed exports for November were higher by 46,525 tonnes and 19.92 lt for April-November 2005 from the corresponding month of the previous year.

Total exports for the financial year 2006-07 have been projected between 42 lt and 45 lt compared with 34 lt in the corresponding month of the previous year, said Mr B.V. Mehta, Executive Director, SEA.

Out of the total oilmeal exports, soyabean meal is projected to be around 17 lt for the coming four months (December-March), said Mr Rajesh Agrawal, former chairman, SOPA.

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