In order to further hike exports and ensure continuity of supplies of export-quality premium oilseeds, a series of steps have to be initiated especially for increasing productivity and quality upgradation, said Pradeep Kotak, chairman, IOPEA.

Kotak observed that during the past four years export of HPS groundnuts as well as sesame seeds had registered a steady increase, reaching a record figure of 225,221 tonnes worth Rs 557.16 crore in HPS groundnuts and 103,672 tonnes worth Rs 331.20 crore in sesame seeds during 1997-98.In the case of other oilseeds like safflower seeds, sunflower seeds and rapeseeds/mustard exports of which were yet to pick up, Kotak stated that attention should be given to quality-related issues like oil content inthe case of safflower seeds and size of the kernel in the case of sunflower seed. Referring to the revised regulations of aflatoxin in peantus by the EU Commission, he said that a strategy is being evolved by IOPEA to overcome the challenge. He welcomed the decision to allow futures trading in oilseeds oil and oil cakes.