India As rice bran oil gains traction, output rises

Even as consumer awareness remains a challenge for the rice bran oil, India’s rice bran oil production is growing by about 50,000 tonne every year, informed industry leaders here.

Of the total global production of around 12 lakh tonne of rice bran oil, India currently produces 9 lakh tonne per annum. However, with growing awareness and rising demand, the production is increasing by about 50,000 tonne per annum, claimed the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).

“India has the potential to produce around 15 lakh tonne of rice bran oil. We are producing about 9 lakh tonne but only 3 lakh tonne goes for direct consumption. As the awareness rises, the production will increase too,” said B V Mehta, executive director, SEA at a press conference on Wednesday.

After India, Japan is the distant second in the production of rice bran oil with production of about 70,000 tonne per annum, followed by Thailand with around 60,000 tonne and China at only 50,000 tonne per annum of rice bran oil production.

However, the rice bran oil costs more than the conventional oils like sunflower or cottonseed oil. “The prices are higher by Rs. 10-15 per kg. So we can position this oil between the expensive olive oil and the conventional oils with greater nutritional benefits,” said Dr A R Sharma, chairman and managing director, Ricela Health Foods Ltd.

The rice bran oil has been recommended by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) for its nutritional properties. “The viscosity of rice bran oil is very light and is bland. Food cooked in this oil absorbs 15-20 per cent less oil, thereby reducing the chances of cholesterol,” said Dr Varsha, Founder chairperson, Indian Institute of Nutritional Sciences.

SEA has initiated a series of awareness programmes in big and small towns across India and to reach out to the maximum number of people with the benefits rice bran oil offers.