Castor oil, also called miracle oil, is one of the most versatile plant oils. Its unique chemical structure makes it useful in a wide number of industries and applications. India, being the largest producer and exporter of castor oil and its derivatives, has a considerable export market and this makes the Castor Oil a valuable source of foreign exchange.

Castor seed is obtained from a tropical and subtropical plant grown in India, China, Brazil, Java, and Egypt. In India, it is cultivated in several states mainly in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

Castor seed size varies from 15 to 20 mm in length and 5 to 12 mm in width. Seeds are covered with a shiny brownish red hull which can be easily separated from the kernel. The hull represents 20 to 30% of the seed by weight. Whole seed contains oil from 47% to 51% in hybrid varieties. Castor seeds are processed for extraction of oil.