Rapeseed

Overview

Production

Country Production

Cultivation

What is Rapeseed?

Rapeseed, also known as canola, is a bright yellow flowering plant that belongs to the Brassica family. The seeds of the rapeseed plant are used to produce rapeseed oil, which is commonly used in cooking, as well as in industrial applications such as biodiesel production.

Rapeseed is a versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of climates and soils. It is commonly grown in Canada, Europe, and Australia, and is also grown in smaller quantities in other parts of the world.

Rapeseed oil is a healthy alternative to other cooking oils, as it is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in them, are significant for maintaining a healthy heart.

Overall, rapeseed is an important crop that is used to produce a variety of products, including cooking oil, biodiesel, and animal feed.

Rapeseed Production in the World

The global production of Rapeseed plays a significant role in agriculture and trade. As of 2023, Canada is the top producer, contributing 18,328,233 tonnes, which accounts for 19.95% of the total global production. China ranks second, producing 16,317,400 tonnes, representing 17.76% of the world's output. Other significant producers include India, Australia, and France, with production levels of 12,643,196, 8,917,862, and 4,276,890 tonnes, respectively. Taiwan has the lowest production among the listed countries, contributing just 8 tonnes in 2023. In total, global production of Rapeseed reached approximately 91,876,423 tonnes in 2023.

Top 10 Countries by Rapeseed Production in 2023

Countries Ranked by Rapeseed Production in 2023

Source:FAOSTAT
Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025

Rank	Country	Production (Tonnes)	Acreage (Hectare)	Yield
1	Canada	18,328,233	8,854,700	2,070
2	China	16,317,400	7,548,324	2,162
3	India	12,643,196	8,851,524	1,428
4	Australia	8,917,862	4,356,211	2,047
5	France	4,276,890	1,345,730	3,178
6	Germany	4,218,000	1,178,200	3,580
7	Russia	4,196,000	2,070,000	2,027
8	Ukraine	4,183,650	1,431,600	2,922
9	Poland	3,575,100	1,102,610	3,242
10	United States	1,894,950	942,650	2,010
11	Romania	1,789,670	641,430	2,790
12	Czech Republic	1,309,500	379,940	3,447
13	United Kingdom	1,216,108	391,158	3,109
14	Belarus	898,689	410,000	2,192
15	Denmark	822,700	211,200	3,895
16	Lithuania	819,460	304,940	2,687
17	Pakistan	813,472	696,226	1,168
18	Hungary	626,410	188,780	3,318
19	Uruguay	587,300	348,100	1,687
20	Bangladesh	547,425	383,251	1,428
21	Slovakia	544,030	148,570	3,662
22	Latvia	349,500	148,700	2,350
23	Sweden	304,900	122,160	2,496
24	Iran	290,000	155,000	1,871
25	South Africa	236,300	131,200	1,801
26	Moldova	210,949	82,671	2,552
27	Bulgaria	207,040	79,790	2,595
28	Brazil	178,000	121,000	1,471
29	Spain	170,840	111,860	1,527
30	Estonia	137,930	76,490	1,803
31	Serbia	133,753	38,018	3,518
32	Kazakhstan	123,215	92,643	1,330
33	Chile	123,023	32,650	3,768
34	Turkiye	120,000	32,291	3,716
35	Ireland	94,110	21,560	4,365
36	Austria	86,680	26,550	3,265
37	Italy	83,510	30,420	2,745
38	Switzerland	82,291	25,339	3,248
39	Paraguay	67,850	58,000	1,170
40	Mongolia	55,262	134,448	411
41	Belgium	45,720	12,140	3,766
42	Croatia	43,050	15,210	2,830
43	Finland	40,600	31,000	1,310
44	Argentina	38,999	22,862	1,706
45	Algeria	23,111	11,889	1,944
46	Ethiopia	20,000	12,000	1,667
47	Greece	16,480	8,030	2,052
48	Kenya	14,603	4,509	3,239
49	Luxembourg	7,930	2,600	3,050
50	Netherlands	7,860	2,080	3,779
51	Slovenia	7,320	2,840	2,578
52	Bosnia and Herzegovina	6,118	2,447	2,500
53	Tunisia	5,743	8,070	712
54	Norway	5,000	1,930	2,591
55	Japan	3,680	1,740	2,115
56	New Zealand	2,200	1,089	2,019
57	Morocco	2,000	1,000	2,000
58	Mexico	2,000	3,000	667
59	Uzbekistan	1,286	1,737	740
60	South Korea	1,000	1,000	1,000
61	North Macedonia	282	202	1,396
62	Tajikistan	120	139	863
63	Kyrgyzstan	115	139	831
64	Taiwan	8	7	1,198

Cultivation of Rapeseed

Rapeseed is a hardy crop that is relatively easy to grow, and it can be cultivated in a variety of soils and climates.

Here are some general steps involved in the cultivation of rapeseed:

Soil preparation: Rapeseed requires well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Before planting, the soil should be plowed and tilled to a depth of 6-8 inches to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Planting: Rapeseed can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on the climate. In general, it is best to plant in the fall in cooler climates, and in the spring in warmer climates. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch and spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in rows.
Fertilization: Rapeseed requires adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Fertilizers should be applied according to soil test results and the specific requirements of the crop.
Weed control: Weeds can compete with rapeseed for nutrients and water, so it is important to control them during the growing season. This can be done through a combination of cultural practices (such as crop rotation and planting cover crops), and the use of herbicides.
Harvesting: Rapeseed is typically harvested in late spring or early summer when the plants have reached maturity and the seeds have ripened. The crop can be harvested using a combine harvester, and the seeds can then be cleaned and stored for further processing.

Overall, rapeseed is a hardy and versatile crop that can be grown in a variety of conditions. With proper soil preparation, planting, fertilization, and weed control, it can yield a healthy and productive crop of seeds.

Regional Variety of Rapeseed

Rapeseed is a versatile oilseed crop that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is primarily grown for its oil-rich seeds, which are used in various applications. There are several regional varieties of rapeseed, each with its unique characteristics and uses. Here are some notable examples:

Canola: Canola is a specific variety of rapeseed that was developed in Canada. The name "canola" is derived from "Canadian oil, low acid." Canola oil has gained popularity worldwide due to its low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates, making it safe for consumption. Canola oil is widely used for cooking, baking, and as a general-purpose vegetable oil.
European Rapeseed: This variety of rapeseed is commonly grown in Europe and has a higher erucic acid content compared to canola. While it is not suitable for direct human consumption, European rapeseed oil is used in various industrial applications, such as biodiesel production, lubricants, and industrial coatings.
Indian Rapeseed: In India, rapeseed is a major oilseed crop, and different varieties are grown across the country. Indian rapeseed oil is commonly used for cooking and is known for its high smoke point, making it suitable for deep-frying and high-temperature cooking methods. It is also used in the production of pickles, sauces, and various traditional Indian dishes.
Chinese Rapeseed: China is one of the largest producers of rapeseed globally, and different varieties are cultivated across different regions of the country. Chinese rapeseed oil is commonly used for cooking, stir-frying, and as a flavoring agent in various dishes. In addition to oil production, rapeseed meal, a byproduct of oil extraction, is used as animal feed.
Australian Rapeseed: Australia cultivates a variety of rapeseed known for its adaptation to arid conditions. Australian rapeseed oil is primarily used for cooking and baking, similar to canola oil. It is also used in salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other food products.

Apart from oil production, rapeseed has other uses as well. Rapeseed meal, a byproduct of oil extraction, is used as a protein-rich animal feed. Rapeseed straws can be used as fodder for livestock or as a raw material in the production of biofuels and biogas. Additionally, rapeseed oil is used in the manufacturing of soaps, candles, lubricants, and cosmetics.

It's important to note that the specific uses and regional varieties of rapeseed may vary across different countries and regions, depending on local agricultural practices, regulations, and consumer preferences.

Structure of Rapeseed

Rape seed, also known as canola, is a type of plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual plant that grows up to 1-2 meters in height and produces bright yellow flowers.

Here are some points on the structure of rape seed:

Outer Seed Coat: The outer seed coat of rape seed is thin and tough, and it is called the testa. It is brown and protects the inner parts of the seed.
Endosperm: The endosperm is the middle layer of the seed, and it is the main storage tissue. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, and oils, which provide nutrients to the growing plant.
Embryo: The embryo is the innermost part of the seed, and it is the part that develops into the new plant. It consists of two cotyledons (seed leaves), a radicle (root), and a plumule (shoot).
Germ: The germ is part of the embryo that will eventually become the new plant. It is located at the base of the embryo and contains the genetic material needed for growth.
Oil Body: The oil body is a small organelle located in the cytoplasm of the seed's cells. It is filled with oil, which is used as a source of energy by the growing plant.
Micropyle: The micropyle is a small opening in the seed coat through which water and air can enter the seed.
Hilum: The hilum is the scar left on the seed coat after the seed has been detached from the parent plant. It is where the seed was attached to the plant and received nutrients.

Types of Rapeseed

Several types of rapeseed are grown and cultivated around the world. Here are some of the most common types of rapeseed:

Winter rapeseed: Winter rapeseed is a type of rapeseed that is planted in the fall and harvested in the spring. It is more cold-tolerant than other types of rapeseed and can withstand harsh winter conditions.
Spring rapeseed: Spring rapeseed is planted in the spring and harvested in the summer. It has a shorter growing season than winter rapeseed and requires warmer temperatures to grow.
Double-low rapeseed: Double-low rapeseed is a type of rapeseed that has been bred to have low levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates. These compounds can be harmful to human and animal health, so double-low rapeseed is preferred for use in food products.
High-oleic rapeseed: High-oleic rapeseed is a type of rapeseed that has been bred to have a higher level of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. It is used in the production of high-quality edible oils and may have health benefits.
Low-linolenic rapeseed: Low-linolenic rapeseed is a type of rapeseed that has been bred to have low levels of linolenic acid, which can cause off-flavors in the oil. It is used in the production of high-quality edible oils.
Clearfield rapeseed: Clearfield rapeseed is a type of rapeseed that has been genetically modified to be tolerant to certain herbicides. This makes it easier to control weeds in the field and can result in higher yields.

These are some of the most common types of rapeseed, but many other varieties are grown for specific purposes or in specific regions.

Uses of Rapeseed

Rapeseed, also known as canola, has several uses. Here are some of the most common uses of rapeseed:

Edible oil: Rapeseed oil is used for cooking and baking. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and other high-heat cooking methods.
Biofuel: Rapeseed oil can be converted into biodiesel, which is a renewable energy source. Biodiesel can be used in place of diesel fuel in vehicles and machinery.
Animal feed: The leftover meal after rapeseed oil is extracted is used as a protein-rich animal feed. It is commonly used in the production of livestock and poultry feed.
Industrial lubricant: Rapeseed oil is used as a base for industrial lubricants and other products, such as soaps and cosmetics.
Soil conditioner: Rapeseed plants can be grown as a cover crop to improve soil quality. When the plants are plowed under, they add organic matter to the soil and improve its structure.
Pharmaceutical applications: Rapeseed oil is being studied for its potential health benefits, including its ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Other uses: Rapeseed oil can be used in the production of inks, paints, and other industrial products. It is also used in some traditional medical practices.