Harvesting
It takes 145-180 days to mature. Harvesting is done when capsules turn yellowish. However, all the capsules do not mature at the same time. The central spike on the main rachies mature first and thereafter the spikes on the side branches start maturing. Therefore, generally two to three pickings may be needed for harvesting the entire crop. The spikes should be dried in the sun light for four to five days and then threshed by beating the dried capsules with wooden sticks or trampling under the bullock feet or with the help of electrical thresher. The main spike is ready for harvest at 90 to 100 days and remaining spikes should be harvested at an interval of 15 days according to their maturity. Shattering should be eliminated. Harvesting of pre-maturing spikes lead to poor yield and ultimately oil yield with poor quality. Harvested capsules should allow drying under sun light for 5 to 6 days before threshing.

Yield : 1000 to 1200 kg/ha (Rainfed crop)
2000 to 3000 kg/ha (Irrigated crop)

Research Station : AICRP on Castor, Sardar Krushinagar
Sub Centre at Vijapur