India emerges major exporter in guar-gum

HISSAR: India may soon overtake Pakistan and Sudan to become the leading exporter of guar-gum, thanks to financial assistance being provided by the government to develop hybrid varieties. Minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh has promised financial assistance to the CCS Haryana Agricultural University for developing the much-needed hybrid varieties.

The development would not only boost exports but also help lakhs of guar cultivators across the country. The university plans to develop varieties that would mature in 55 to 65 days, ensuring cultivation of guar crop in two growing seasons.

Mr Ramesh agreed to consider these suggestions and said the industry will have to match the grant being provided by the government to develop the hybrids, as the guar gum exporters would be the key beneficiaries of the better varieties.

In 2006-07, India exported guar gum worth Rs 1,275 crore. This was a 12.5 fold increase from 2000-01. In the near future, the industry hopes to increase exports by 10-15% per annum.

More than 85% of the guar produced in the country is exported and the net foreign exchange earning is 90%. The industry comprises of small and medium enterprises totalling to more than 200 units spread across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana.

World market for guar gum is expanding at the rate of 25-30% per annum. Guar gum, extracted from the pods of the guar plant, is widely used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser in food and cosmetics. It is also used by other industries like mining, textiles and carpets, construction and explosives.