Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is grown
for its seeds. The oil extracted from Castor seed is being used widely for
various purposes. It is used as a lubricant in high-speed engines and aero
planes, in the manufacture of soaps, transparent paper, printing-inks,
varnishes, linoleum and plasticizers. Castor seeds are also being used for
medicinal and lighting purposes. The Castor may be used to make manure and
plant stalks as fuel or as thatching material or for preparing paper-pulp. Castor
leaves are being fed to silkworms. Castor belongs to the family of
“Euphorbiaceae and genus of "Ricinus L.". Castor is indigenous to the Eastern Africa,
southeastern Mediterranean Basin and India, but is grown throughout tropical
regions and sub-tropical regions of the world. Castor seeds contain between 45 % and 60 % of oil
that is rich in triglycerides, mainly ricinolein. Commercial growing of Castor
seeds is very much successful due to its demand in local and international
markets. In India, this crop is grown where annual rainfall is expected below
the national average and the soil is not that fertile. Read more here.
