India is the predominant producer of the castor crop, with over 80% of the crop grown in India alone. India holds an almost monopoly position in the export of castor oil, accounting for almost 90% of all castor oil exports. Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. The name probably comes from its use as a replacement for castoreum.

Castor oil is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor. Castor oil, produced from castor beans, has long been considered to be of important commercial value primarily for the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, and coatings, among others. The steps that are involved in the manufacturing of castor oil include Sowing; Cultivation; Harvesting; Seed dehulling; Oil extraction; Filtration; Oil Refining; Production of castor oil and derivatives.