Farmers urged to further explore castor oil market

Farmers and other stakeholders are being encouraged to collaborate to explore the full potential of the local castor bean.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Mining, JC Hutchinson, who made the call, said there is an opportunity to tap into the high demand for Jamaican Black Castor Oil, noting that the global market for the product is valued at up to US$100 million.

Mr. Hutchinson said, to realise the potential of the local castor bean, Jamaica needs to have a structured programme that ensures processors have consistency of supply.

Currently, the product, which has gained popularity worldwide, is not a major farm crop in Jamaica.